Arctic Bioscience's HRO350 shows anti-inflammatory effects in psoriasis trial

Arctic Bioscience announced that new analyses from its HeROPA phase 2b clinical trial for HRO350, a drug candidate for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, demonstrated statistically significant effects on systemic inflammation. The analysis of blood samples showed HRO350 significantly reduced the Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) compared to placebo at both 26 weeks and one year. These findings align with in vitro data suggesting HRO350's role in inflammation resolution.

For patients with lower baseline systemic inflammation (SII ≤ 506), the reduction in inflammation was accompanied by statistically significant improvements in skin symptoms (PGA 0/1) and quality of life (DLQI 0/1). The company highlights that SII is a biomarker correlating with psoriasis severity and disease activation, offering a distinct perspective from skin symptoms. The HeROPA trial included over 500 patients and reported no safety concerns, with HRO350 being well tolerated.

Arctic Bioscience believes these results strengthen the development potential for HRO350 in mild-to-moderate psoriasis and its broader anti-inflammatory applications, positioning the company for commercial partnerships. The company notes that patient screening based on baseline SII could refine future development phases and optimize targeting for HRO350, particularly given that half of the HeROPA trial patients had higher systemic inflammation at baseline, despite mild-to-moderate skin symptoms.