Sun Pharma begins Phase 2 Trial of SCD-044 for Plaque Psoriasis

Written by Ruchika Sharma Published On 2021-01-05T12:41:38+05:30 | Updated On 5 Jan 2021 12:41 PM IST

Mumbai: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited today announced that the company has initiated Phase 2 clinical trial for SCD-044 (a novel, orally bioavailable sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 agonist) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

The Phase 2 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of SCD-044 in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study will enroll approximately 240 subjects and topline results are expected in 2022.

SCD-044 is also being evaluated in other autoimmune disorders and Phase 2 studies for other indications like atopic dermatitis, are also expected to be initiated soon.

In May-2020, Sun Pharma entered into a worldwide in-licensing agreement with Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd. (SPARC) for the development and commercialization of SCD044, which is being evaluated as a potential oral treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other auto-immune disorders.

SCD-044 is a novel orally bioavailable S1P receptor 1 agonist for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. S1P receptor 1 agonists are promising for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases as they cause diminished migration of lymphocytes out of lymphatic tissue. This results in a decrease of circulating lymphocytes, thereby reducing inflammation.

A Phase 1 study of SCD-044 has been completed in healthy volunteers. This study established clinical proof-of-concept for SCD-044 in terms of its safety and pharmacodynamic effects. Lymphocyte count reduction, a surrogate marker of efficacy for S1P receptor 1 agonists, was observed at all dose levels evaluated.

Read also: SPARC investigational drug shows promise in phase 3 trial for treating inflammation, pain related to ocular surgery

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Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751