Nektar Meets Failure Again, This Time In Phase II Lupus Study

Nektar, which had multiple trial failures for cancer drug bempegaldesleukin last year, and Lilly will now focus on rezpegaldesleukin in atopic dermatitis. Nektar is planning significant cost reductions.

Nektar said the Phase II study of rezpeg in SLE failed • Source: Shutterstock

Nektar Therapeutics has encountered another failure of a drug in its pipeline, this time rezpegaldesleukin moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The trial failure means neither it nor partner Eli Lilly and Company will move forward in that indication, though the companies are discussing next steps for a Phase IIb study of it in atopic dermatitis, and Nektar executives suggested that a future path forward in lupus may still exist as well.

Nektar announced topline data on 23 February from its Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial of rezpegaldesleukin in adults with SLE...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Clinical Trials

UCB Follows Fellow European Pharmas With Major US Investment

 
• By 

The Belgian drugmaker is boosting its biologics capacity over the pond.

In Brief: Starton Moves Low-Dose Lenalidomide To Phase IIa For Multiple Myeloma

 

Study to add to safety and tolerability data for infused formulation and may help identify optimal dose for future pivotal trial.

Sanofi Revels In More Positive Rilzabrutinib Data

 
• By 

The oral BTK inhibitor impresses in a Phase II trial for IgG4-related disease.

How AstraZeneca Aims To Stay Ahead In Lupus As New Competition Looms

 

The company has established the efficacy of its biologic Saphenlo in systemic lupus erythematosus but is now investing across modalities to stay ahead of rivals.

More from R&D

Sanofi Revels In More Positive Rilzabrutinib Data

 
• By 

The oral BTK inhibitor impresses in a Phase II trial for IgG4-related disease.

Is Zydus’s Agenus Deal Opportunistic Or Strategic?

 
• By 

Will Zydus’s acquisition and licensing deal with Agenus turn out to be a strategic move towards building an oncology portfolio or an opportunistic one driven by a venture capital mindset?

How AstraZeneca Aims To Stay Ahead In Lupus As New Competition Looms

 

The company has established the efficacy of its biologic Saphenlo in systemic lupus erythematosus but is now investing across modalities to stay ahead of rivals.