Incyte's oral JAK1 inhibitor, povorcitinib, met the primary endpoint in two separate phase 3 trials for hidradenitis suppurativa, the company announced. However, efficacy outcomes were lower than those observed in prior studies.
In one of the trials, 40.2% of patients receiving povorcitinib achieved a reduction in abscess and inflammatory nodule count at 12 weeks, compared to 29.7% in the placebo group. By contrast, mid-stage data previously showed a 50% or greater symptom improvement in 29.7% of patients, adjusted for placebo effect.
"Data today came in meaningfully lower than what we saw in the phase 2 study," said Evan Seigerman, an analyst at BMO Capital. He also noted that povorcitinib may be less competitive against AbbVie’s JAK inhibitor, upadacitinib (Rinvoq), which is also under investigation for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Incyte anticipates deeper responses with continued dosing and is extending the trial to assess outcomes over 54 weeks.
"Patients do not always 'respond sufficiently' to biologic drugs, or may not be eligible to be treated with them, making alternatives like povorcitinib necessary," said Joslyn Kirby, senior medical director at Incyte.
Despite the competitive HS treatment landscape—including approved biologics such as secukinumab (Cosentyx) and bimekizumab (Bimzelx)—Incyte plans to seek regulatory approval for povorcitinib in late 2025 or early 2026.
