Everest Medicines (HKG: 1952), a China-based biopharmaceutical company, has declared the successful completion of patient enrollment in a multi-center Phase III clinical trial for etrasimod in Asia, specifically targeting the treatment of moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis (UC). This development follows Everest’s acquisition of development rights to etrasimod in Greater China and South Korea from Arena Pharmaceuticals, which is now owned by Pfizer, in a deal that was closed in 2017. The first patient for the Elevate UC Phase III study in Asia was enrolled back in 2019.
Etrasimod: A Selective S1P Receptor Modulator
Etrasimod is an oral, once-daily medication that functions as a selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator. It is designed to optimize pharmacology and engage S1P receptors 1, 4, and 5. The drug’s filing for approval in the US took place in December 2022, with an anticipated decision to be made later this year. This filing was supported by the Elevate UC Phase III registrational program, which assessed the safety and efficacy of etrasimod 2mg once daily in UC patients who had previously failed or were intolerant of one conventional, biologic, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy.
Broadening Etrasimod’s Potential Applications
Beyond UC, etrasimod is also under investigation for its potential in treating a variety of other immuno-inflammatory diseases. This broadens the horizon for the drug’s impact on the healthcare landscape and underscores the importance of the Phase III trial’s results.-Fineline Info & Tech
