Lytix partner's ruxotemitide phase II data shows strong immune activation

Lytix Biopharma AS announced positive new immune response data for ruxotemitide from Verrica Pharmaceuticals' Phase II study in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), presented at SITC 2025. The study demonstrated significant increases in cytotoxic CD8+ and helper CD4+ T cells, B-cell infiltration, and a reduction in immunosuppressive T-regulatory cells within the tumor microenvironment. Ruxotemitide achieved a 97% calculated objective response rate, 51% complete histologic clearance, and a well-tolerated safety profile.

This first-in-class oncolytic peptide immunotherapy reprograms the tumor microenvironment, activating it from an immune-suppressed state through direct tumor cell disruption and subsequent immune activation. An abscopal-like immune effect, with histologic reduction in non-treated BCC lesions, was also observed.

Verrica plans to advance ruxotemitide into a pivotal Phase III program for BCC. Lytix Biopharma continues its broader oncology development, including the NeoLIPA Phase II study in melanoma, with interim results due on November 11, 2025, at the Nordic Melanoma Meeting in Tromsø.