Through an established network of partnerships, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARNA) is delivering timely benefits to patients, their caregivers, and clinicians. The therapeutically focused company has a wide range of products in therapeutic areas, a majority of them in multiple development stages. In its Phase 2 trial evaluating etrasimod, Arena says it has dosed its first subject. The trial will enroll 36 subjects in sites across the United States and Canada. They will receive 2 mg of etrasimod for 24 weeks.
Arena’s Expansion into Dermatology
The pharmaceutical’s primary purpose is to meet the needs of patients in a rapidly changing global market. It endeavors to deliver important medicines to patients under whatever means. This is one of the major motivations of dosing the first patient with etrasimod. The oral agent administered once daily is the potential treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata. According to Arena’s Head of Research and Development, Chris Cabell, this Phase 2 trial is a great accomplishment. It allows them to expand into dermatology.
“…To date, we have seen preclinical and scientific validation supporting the rationale for moving etrasimod into alopecia areata and other dermatologic conditions…’’ Cabell explained.
There is a significant unmet medical need in alopecia areata, even though the market does not have an FDA-approved treatment option today. Hundreds of patients are suffering from tremendous emotional and psychosocial distress, reducing their quality of life. However, with the efficacy and safety likely to be demonstrated by etrasimod there is some hope of a treatment.
Etrasimod has the Potential of Treating Multiple Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
Generally, etrasimod is designed for enhanced pharmacology and engagement of S1P receptors 1, 4, and 5. However, it also has systemic and local effects on particular immune cell types and inflammatory diseases. They include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and atopic dermatitis.
Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine’s innermost lining, which becomes inflamed, resulting in layers of ulcers. Crohn’s disease (CD) is a condition of the gastrointestinal tract and affects the small bowel and the colon’s beginning. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is equally a severe immune-mediated disease with varied symptoms such as swollen skin, severe dry skin, raised bumps, and itching.
