Biopharmaceutical company Incyte has recently revealed promising results from a clinical trial focusing on the safety and efficacy of povorcitinib in adult patients with extensive vitiligo. The findings were presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, held from March 17-21, 2023 in New Orleans.

Povorcitinib is a potent and selective Janus kinase inhibitor that also displays anti-inflammatory activity. While Incyte’s approved JAK drugs, Jakafi and Eli Lilly-partnered Olumiant, block both JAK1 and JAK2, povorcitinib only hits JAK1. The candidate is currently in phase II studies for vitiligo (INCB54707), hidradenitis suppurativa and prurigo nodularis.  By inhibiting JAK1, povorcitinib aims to modulate the immune response and potentially reduce the inflammation and progression of these conditions. 

The Phase 2b study showed significant improvements in total body and facial repigmentation for patients with extensive nonsegmental vitiligo. Povorcitinib met its primary endpoint, demonstrating superior T-VASI scores at Week 24 compared to placebo. More patients also achieved the key secondary endpoint of T-VASI50 at Week 24 and continued to improve during an open-label extension period.

Povorcitinib was generally well tolerated. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events during the 24-week period were COVID-19 (16.7%), headache (10.3%), fatigue (9.5%), blood creatine phosphokinase increased (7.9%), and acne (7.1%). No serious adverse effects were considered related to povorcitinib treatment, with no  safety concerns noted after Week 24.

Stay tuned for further updates on this promising investigational therapy.