Corvus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRVS) announced encouraging results from cohort 4 of its Phase 1 trial of soquelitinib in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The data show good safety and efficacy, similar to earlier cohorts, and suggest longer treatment may improve responses.
Cohort 4 Results
Cohort 4 included 12 patients on soquelitinib and 12 on placebo. Two placebo patients missed the day 56 visit but completed follow up later. Patients in this group had more severe disease than earlier cohorts, with a mean EASI score of 25.7 in the soquelitinib group.
After 56 days, the mean EASI reduction was 72 percent for soquelitinib and 40 percent for placebo. Responses improved steadily from day 28 to day 56. Two placebo patients had flares during treatment, while no flares occurred in the soquelitinib group.
Clinical response rates were higher for soquelitinib. At day 56, 75 percent achieved EASI 75, 25 percent reached EASI 90, and 33 percent achieved IGA 0 or 1. Placebo numbers were lower, with 20 percent, 0 percent, and 0 percent, respectively.
Prior Therapy
About half the cohort had received prior systemic therapies, including dupilumab and JAK inhibitors. Soquelitinib worked in both treatment-naïve and experienced patients. Placebo patients with prior therapy improved less.
Biomarkers
Biomarker data show reductions in IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, TARC, and Th2 cells. Cohort 3 patients also had increased Treg cells. The findings support soquelitinib’s ITK inhibition mechanism, which regulates multiple T cell pathways.
Safety
No new safety issues were seen. Adverse events occurred in 42 percent of soquelitinib patients and 50 percent of placebo patients. All were mild or moderate. There were no dose interruptions or serious events. Lab tests were normal.
Next Steps
Corvus plans a Phase 2 trial in Q1 2026. It will enroll about 200 patients who failed at least one prior topical or systemic therapy. Four cohorts will test soquelitinib at 200 mg once daily, 200 mg twice daily, 400 mg once daily, and a placebo group. Treatment will last 12 weeks with a 30-day follow-up.
Takeaway
The results suggest soquelitinib may be effective even in patients who failed prior treatments. Longer therapy seems to deepen responses. Safety is favorable. The Phase 2 trial will test if these findings hold in a larger group.
