MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Announces Positive Regulatory Feedback from both FDA and EMA on Path for the Phase 3 Program for the Nanobody® sonelokimab in Psoriatic Arthritis
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics has received positive regulatory feedback from both the FDA and EMA for its Phase 3 program of Nanobody® sonelokimab targeting psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The program, named IZAR, will enroll around 1,500 patients across two trials (IZAR-1 and IZAR-2). IZAR-1 will focus on bio-naïve patients and radiographic progression, while IZAR-2 will involve TNF-IR patients with risankizumab as a reference arm. The primary endpoint readout is anticipated by end-2026. This follows earlier positive feedback for their Phase 3 VELA program for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recruitment for these trials is set to begin in Q4 2024.
- Regulatory approval from both FDA and EMA for Phase 3 program in PsA.
- Two planned global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
- Enrollment of around 1,500 patients, enhancing the study's robustness.
- Inclusion of biologic-naïve and TNF-IR patients, broadening the study's applicability.
- Use of risankizumab as a reference arm in IZAR-2, providing a benchmark for efficacy.
- Primary endpoint readout expected by the end of 2026, offering a clear timeline.
- Builds on positive FDA and EMA feedback for their Phase 3 program in HS.
- Clear roadmap for PsA treatment, strengthening investor confidence.
- Primary endpoint readout not expected until end-2026, a long wait for investors.
- Potential delays in recruitment, set to start in Q4 2024, could affect timelines.
- High financial cost associated with large-scale Phase 3 trials.
- Dependence on regulatory approval for marketing post-trial completion.
- Risks associated with trial failures or adverse outcomes affecting stock performance.
Insights
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics’ announcement about its regulatory feedback on sonelokimab for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a significant development. Regulatory feedback from both the FDA and EMA endorses the company's approach for its Phase 3 program, suggesting regulatory confidence in the design and potential efficacy of these trials. Psoriatic arthritis is a challenging, chronic inflammatory condition and novel treatments that offer better efficacy could lead to substantial improvements in patient care.
From a medical perspective, the planned Phase 3 trials will test both 60mg and 120mg doses of sonelokimab, incorporating robust endpoints such as ACR50, which measures a 50% improvement in tender or swollen joint counts. This provides a strong foundation for assessing the drug’s true efficacy in a real-world patient population.
The inclusion of a biologic reference arm with risankizumab in IZAR-2 is noteworthy. This will help position sonelokimab against existing standards of care, potentially leading to better treatment protocols if sonelokimab proves superior or even comparable.
Positive regulatory feedback is a important catalyst for MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, given that it supports the company's pathway towards future market authorizations. The planned Phase 3 trials involving approximately 1,500 patients are an essential step towards commercial viability. With the trials expected to start patient randomization in Q4 2024 and primary endpoint readouts by end-2026, investors should note that while this news is promising, it is aligned with a longer-term horizon.
The company has managed to secure a clear roadmap for its trials, which could bolster investor confidence. However, it is important to assess the financial burn rate during these trials, as extensive clinical programs are capital-intensive. Investors should also monitor any partnership or funding announcements as these trials progress, as additional capital might be needed to sustain operations until potential market entry.
Moreover, the inclusion of risankizumab as a reference treatment will provide pivotal comparative data, which can be a valuable asset in marketing and positioning sonelokimab upon potential approval. This element might also attract strategic partners or acquirers, which could lead to stock appreciation in anticipation of these outcomes.
The market for psoriatic arthritis treatments is highly competitive, with several established biologics and small-molecule therapies. However, unique mechanisms of action, like that of sonelokimab, may offer competitive advantages. MoonLake’s trials focusing on both bio-naïve and TNF-IR populations highlight an effort to capture unmet needs within this varied patient demographic.
By securing regulatory backing on the trial designs, MoonLake has enhanced its credibility in the market. This could translate to a stronger market positioning if the trials yield positive results. The company’s strategic execution, including comprehensive Phase 3 trials, indicates a thoughtful approach to capturing a segment of the inflammation and immunology market that is underdiagnosed and underserved, as stated by their CEO.
Long-term market potential is promising, but key risks include the highly competitive landscape and the need for substantial financial resources to complete these trials and bring sonelokimab to market. Thus, the developments are positive but should be weighed against executional risks and market competition.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Announces Positive Regulatory Feedback from both FDA and EMA on Path for the Phase 3 Program for the Nanobody® sonelokimab in Psoriatic Arthritis
- Builds upon the positive regulatory feedback received from FDA and EMA on Phase 3 VELA program for sonelokimab in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), which has started recruitment
- Clarified path for PsA Phase 3 program with study design, patient population and endpoints agreed – program is called IZAR and two trials are planned with one focusing on bio-naïve patients and radiographic progression (IZAR-1) and another on TNF-IR patients (IZAR-2)
- The main dose to be tested will be 60mg, and the 120mg dose will also be tested, with risankizumab as a reference arm (in IZAR-2)
- Total Phase 3 population of approximately 1,500 patients to be complemented by Phase 2 population for registration
- Phase 3 trial design in line with the Company’s communications and guidance
- First patient expected to be randomized in Q4 2024; primary endpoint readout expected end-2026
ZUG, Switzerland, June 10, 2024 – MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) (“MoonLake”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on creating next-level therapies for inflammatory diseases, today announced the successful outcome of its end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as positive feedback from its interactions with the E.U. European Medicines Agency (EMA), with both regulatory bodies unanimously supporting MoonLake’s proposed approach for advancing its Phase 3 program of the Nanobody® sonelokimab in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
The Phase 3 program, named IZAR, is expected to enroll around 1,500 patients and in combination with data from the Phase 2 ARGO trial is designed to support both a Biologics License Application (BLA) and E.U. Marketing Authorization Application. Two global, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials are planned (IZAR-1 and IZAR-2) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab over one year. IZAR-1 will enroll a biologic naïve population and include an evaluation of radiographic progression, while IZAR-2 will enroll a TNF-IR population and will be the first trial to include a risankizumab active reference arm. The IZAR program will assess a 60mg sonelokimab dose as well as a 120mg sonelokimab dose. The primary endpoint (ACR50) compared to placebo and key secondary endpoints for both trials will read out at week 16. The readout of the primary endpoint is anticipated at the end of 2026.
Dr. Jorge Santos da Silva, Chief Executive Officer of MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, said: “The recent regulatory milestones for PsA mark the second such significant achievement for MoonLake building on the positive FDA and EMA feedback for HS earlier this year. These regulatory outcomes provide a clear roadmap for PsA and, by the end of 2024, we will have independently commenced three Phase 3 programs addressing two inflammatory indications that are under diagnosed and underserved. This progress is a testament to our specialized expertise and steadfast commitment to advancing the field of inflammation and immunology.”
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About Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis primarily affecting the peripheral joints. The clinical features of PsA are diverse, involving pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints, which can result in restricted mobility and fatigue. PsA occurs in up to
About IZAR
IZAR-1 and IZAR-2 are planned global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials that will be designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab compared with placebo in a total of approximately 1,500 adults with active PsA, with a primary endpoint of superiority to placebo in ACR 50 response at Week 16. IZAR-1 will enroll a biologic-naïve population and include an evaluation of radiographic progression, while IZAR-2 will enroll a TNF-experienced population — reflecting patients commonly seen in clinical practice — and will be the first PsA trial to include a risankizumab active reference arm. Both trials will also include a range of secondary endpoints reflecting the multiple disease manifestations characteristic of PsA, including skin and nail outcomes, multidomain endpoints, and patient-reported outcome measures such as pain and quality of life assessments.
About Sonelokimab
Sonelokimab (M1095) is an investigational ~40 kDa humanized Nanobody® consisting of three VHH domains covalently linked by flexible glycine-serine spacers. With two domains, sonelokimab selectively binds with high affinity to IL-17A and IL-17F, thereby inhibiting the IL-17A/A, IL-17A/F, and IL-17F/F dimers. A third central domain binds to human albumin, facilitating further enrichment of sonelokimab at sites of inflammatory edema.
Sonelokimab is being assessed in two lead indications, HS and psoriatic arthritis (PSA), and the Company is pursuing other indications in dermatology and rheumatology.
For HS, sonelokimab is being assessed in the Phase 3 trials, VELA-1 and VELA-2, following the successful outcome of MoonLake’s end-of-Phase 2 interactions with the FDA and as well as positive feedback from its interactions with the EMA announced in February 2024. In June 2023, topline results of the MIRA trial (NCT05322473) at 12 weeks showed that the trial met its primary endpoint, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR)75, which is a higher measure of clinical response versus the HiSCR50 measure used in other clinical trials, setting a landmark milestone. In October 2023, the full dataset from the MIRA trial at 24 weeks showed that maintenance treatment with sonelokimab led to further improvements in HiSCR75 response rates and other high threshold clinical and patient relevant outcomes. The safety profile of sonelokimab in the MIRA trial was consistent with previous trials with no new safety signals detected.
For PsA, Phase 3 initiation is anticipated in Q4 2024 following the announcement in March 2024 of the full dataset from the global Phase 2 ARGO trial (M1095-PSA-201) evaluating the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab over 24 weeks in patients with active PsA. Significant improvements were observed across all key outcomes, including approximately
A Phase 2 trial is expected to be initiated in 2024 for palmo-plantar pustulosis (PPP), a debilitating inflammatory skin condition affecting a significant number of patients. In addition, a Phase 3 trial is expected to initiate in juvenile HS, a condition that typically manifests at this early stage of a patient’s life, and the period in which irreversible damage and inflammatory remission is most critical.
Sonelokimab will also be assessed in seronegative spondyloarthritis with Phase 2 trials in radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and PsA expected to start in 2024. The trials are set to incorporate innovative designs that enhance traditional clinical outcomes with contemporary tissue and cellular imaging techniques.
Sonelokimab has also been assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial (NCT03384745) in 313 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. High threshold clinical responses (Investigator’s Global Assessment Score 0 or 1, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90/100) were observed in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Sonelokimab was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to the active control, secukinumab (Papp KA, et al. Lancet. 2021; 397:1564-1575).
In an earlier Phase 1 trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis, sonelokimab has been shown to decrease (to normal skin levels) the cutaneous gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Svecova D. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81:196–203).
About Nanobodies®
Nanobodies® represent a new generation of antibody-derived targeted therapies. They consist of one or more domains based on the small antigen-binding variable regions of heavy-chain-only antibodies (VHH). Nanobodies® have a number of potential advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, enhanced tissue penetration, resistance to temperature changes, ease of manufacturing, and their ability to be designed into multivalent therapeutic molecules with bespoke target combinations.
The terms Nanobody® and Nanobodies® are trademarks of Ablynx, a Sanofi company.
About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a severely debilitating chronic skin condition resulting in irreversible tissue destruction. HS manifests as painful inflammatory skin lesions, typically around the armpits, groin, and buttocks. Over time, uncontrolled and inadequately treated inflammation can result in irreversible tissue destruction and scarring. The disease affects 0.05–
About MoonLake Immunotherapeutics
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company unlocking the potential of sonelokimab, a novel investigational Nanobody® for the treatment of inflammatory disease, to revolutionize outcomes for patients. Sonelokimab inhibits IL-17A and IL-17F by inhibiting the IL-17A/A, IL-17A/F, and IL17F/F dimers that drive inflammation. The company’s focus is on inflammatory diseases with a major unmet need, including hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriatic arthritis – conditions affecting millions of people worldwide with a large need for improved treatment options. MoonLake was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. Further information is available at www.moonlaketx.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MoonLake’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding: plans for and timing of clinical trials, including the topline primary endpoint readout for the Phase 3 IZAR program, the trial design and patient enrollment across the IZAR-1 and IZAR-2 trials, the initiation of the Phase 3 program in PsA, the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab for the treatment of HS and PsA, including in comparison to existing standards or care or other competing therapies, clinical trials and research and development programs and the anticipated timing of the results from those studies and trials. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward looking.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by MoonLake and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with MoonLake’s business in general and limited operating history, difficulty enrolling patients in clinical trials, state and federal healthcare reform measures that could result in reduced demand for MoonLake’s product candidates and reliance on third parties to conduct and support its preclinical studies and clinical trials and the other risks described in or incorporated by reference into MoonLake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. MoonLake does not undertake or accept any duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in the events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Media
Patricia Sousa
media@moonlaketx.com
ICR Consilium
Mary-Jane Elliott, Namrata Taak, Ashley Tapp
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MoonLake@consilium-comms.com
FAQ
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