Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today positive top-line results from a Phase 3 pivotal study (B7451012) evaluating the efficacy and safety of its investigational oral Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, abrocitinib (PF-04965842), in patients aged 12 and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

B7451012 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two doses (100mg and 200mg once daily) of abrocitinib monotherapy over 12 weeks. Top-line results showed that by week 12 the percentage of patients achieving each co-primary efficacy endpoint and each key secondary endpoint with either dose of abrocitinib was statistically significantly higher than placebo. In addition, the results demonstrate response to treatment for a statistically significant number of patients during the first two to four weeks following first dose.

"Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that can take both a physical and emotional toll on the millions of patients living with the condition worldwide," said Michael Corbo, PhD, Chief Development Officer, Inflammation & Immunology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "These top-line findings are encouraging and provide evidence that abrocitinib, if approved, could be an effective new oral once-daily treatment option for patients."

The co-primary study endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of clear (0) or almost clear (1) skin and ≥2 point improvement; and the proportion of patients who achieved at least a 75% or greater change from baseline in their Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. The key secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving a 4 point or larger reduction in itch severity measured with the pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS) and the magnitude of decrease in the Pruritus and Symptoms Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (PSAAD).

Safety results show that both doses of abrocitinib were well-tolerated, and there were no unexpected safety events. The discontinuation rates due to an adverse event were low in each treatment arm (5.8% and 5.8% in 100mg and 200mg) compared to placebo (9.1%).

Additional Details About the Study

A total of 387 subjects were randomized to abrocitinib 200mg, abrocitinib 100mg, and placebo in the trial. Randomization was stratified by baseline disease severity (moderate [IGA=3] and severe [IGA=4] AD) and age (age

Detailed analyses of B7451012, including additional efficacy and safety data, will be submitted for presentation at a future scientific meeting and published in a prominent medical journal. B7451012 is the first trial in the JAK1 Atopic Dermatitis Efficacy and Safety (JADE) global development program. Additional data from another study in the JADE program will be available later this year.

About Abrocitinib (PF-04965842)

Abrocitinib (PF-04965842) is an oral small molecule that selectively inhibits Janus kinase (JAK) 1. Inhibition of JAK1 is thought to modulate multiple cytokines involved in pathophysiology of AD including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-31, and interferon gamma.

Abrocitinib received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD in February 2018. Breakthrough Therapy designation was initiated as part of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) signed in 2012. As defined by the FDA, a breakthrough therapy is a drug intended to be used alone or in combination with one or more other drugs to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. If a drug is designated as a Breakthrough Therapy, the FDA will expedite the development and review of such drug.1

About Atopic Dermatitis

AD is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects.2,3 Lesions of AD are characterized by erythema (redness), itching, induration (hardening)/papulation (formulation of papules), and oozing/crusting.2,3

AD is one of the most common, chronic, relapsing childhood dermatoses, affecting 1% to 3% of adults and 15% to 20% of children worldwide.4 Approximately 50% of pediatric AD patients globally have recurrent symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.5,6

About Pfizer’s Kinase Inhibitor Leadership

The JAK pathways are believed to play an important role in inflammatory processes as they are involved in signaling for over 50 cytokines and growth factors, many of which drive immune-mediated conditions.7 JAK inhibition may offer patients with these conditions a potential new advanced treatment option.8

Pfizer has established a leading kinase research capability with multiple unique kinase inhibitor therapies in development. As a pioneer in JAK science, the company is continuing to advance several investigational programs for molecules with novel selectivity profiles, which, if approved, could potentially deliver transformative therapies for patients. In addition to abrocitinib, Pfizer has several kinase inhibitors in clinical trials across multiple indications, including:

PF-06700841: A tyrosine kinase 2(TYK2)/JAK1 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata

PF-06650833: An IL-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

PF-06826647: A TYK2 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

PF-06651600: An oral, JAK3 inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of alopecia areata, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis

Working Together For a Healthier World®

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. 

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