Sun Pharma discontinues development of skin disease drug after trials failure

The Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of SCD-044 included 263 people living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The Phase 2 atopic dermatitis study of SCD-044 included 250 people and compared three different dosages of SCD-044 with placebo.

Read also: Sun Pharma promotes Bhaskar Dharival as General Manager and Head HR and Administration

"Sun Pharma is discontinuing clinical trials of the asset and has no further plans for development of SCD-044. Sun Pharma and its partner, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd., will evaluate the appropriate next steps for SCD-044," the release stated.

“While we are disappointed with the top-line results of the clinical trials, we would like to thank all the psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients, the healthcare professionals and administrators who participated in these pivotal clinical trials,” said Marek Honczarenko, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Specialty Development at Sun Pharma.

Read also: Sun Pharma-Moebius Medical announce dual publications on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis treatment MM-II in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

There were no major safety or tolerability concerns with SCD-044 in either the plaque psoriasis or atopic dermatitis studies.

Read also: Sun Pharma scores USFDA nod for Next Generation BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator for Actinic Keratosis