Merck Initiates Three New Phase 2b Trials for Investigational Inflammatory Drug Tulisokibart

Core Insights - Merck & Co. Inc. is initiating three new Phase 2b trials for its investigational drug tulisokibart, targeting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases [1][2][3] Group 1: Trial Initiation and Focus - The three new global Phase 2b trials are for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, with a total recruitment target of over 640 patients [2] - Tulisokibart is now being investigated in a total of six diseases, including two Phase 3 studies for inflammatory bowel disease and a Phase 2 study for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease [3] Group 2: Mechanism and Target - Tulisokibart is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets tumor necrosis factor/TNF-like cytokine 1A/TL1A, which is associated with inflammation and fibrosis [3]