Incyte’s Povorcitinib Looks Approvable In HS, But How Competitive?

Incyte’s JAK1 inhibitor meets the primary endpoint in two Phase III hidradenitis suppurativa trials, but the drug may not be able to supplant established biologic therapies.

Dermatology
Incyte hopes to compete with biologics in hidradenitis suppurativa • Source: Shutterstock

Planning for top-seller Jakafi’s (ruxolitinib) US patent expiration in 2028, Incyte reported positive top-line data from a pair of Phase III trials of selective JAK1 inhibitor povorcitinib in hidradenitis suppurativa on 17 March, but while the studies met their primary endpoint, questions remained about where the drug would fit in a disease with entrenched biologic therapies.

Key Takeaways
  • Incyte met the primary endpoint in two Phase III trials of povorcitinib in hidradenitis suppurativa, one of five indications in which the JAK1 inhibitor is being studied.

Incyte has long positioned povorcitinib to address anticipated generic revenue erosion for Jakafi, advancing the daily oral drug to

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