Evommune sets out to challenge Sanofi's Dupixent dominance in atopic dermatitis
When Evommune launched late last year, it said proof-of-concept testing data for one of its atopic dermatitis drug candidates would be released in the first half of 2026. The results are in, with the company reporting that the biologic drug met key trial goals, showing potential to deliver a new approach and dosing advantage that would allow it to compete with the blockbuster Sanofi product that currently dominates treatments for this common inflammatory skin disease.
Preliminary data on the drug, EVO301, come from a placebo-controlled Phase 2a study that enrolled 70 adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. The 12-week trial evaluated the study drug on a scale used to measure disease severity, with higher scores indicating more severe disease.
EVO301 led to significant reductions in scores compared with placebo at weeks 4, 8 and 12 compared with baseline, according to preliminary results reported Tuesday. The study drug was administered intravenously at study entry and week 4 and was safe and well tolerated. No serious adverse events or treatment-related discontinuations occurred.
Evommune said full results will be presented at a future scientific meeting. But based on preliminary data, the Palo Alto, California-based company said it is continuing with plans for a Phase 2b dose-ranging study testing a subcutaneous formulation of the drug.
Investors welcomed the data, with Evommune shares opening at $29.52 on Tuesday, up more than 73% from Monday's closing price.
Evommune's EVO301 treats atopic dermatitis by targeting IL-18, a signaling protein that plays a role in inflammation. Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' antibody drug Dupixent blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, while Evommune believes that neutralizing IL-18 affects more pathways that lead to inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The biotech also believes this approach could be applicable to other chronic inflammatory diseases. A mid-stage trial of EVO301 in ulcerative colitis is ongoing.
EVO301 was licensed from South Korean company AprilBio in 2024. Compared with antibodies targeting IL-18, Evommune said the design of this fusion protein increases its activity while also reducing the chance of triggering an immune response. EVO301 is also long-acting and can be administered monthly. In contrast, Dupixent is given as a maintenance dose every two weeks.
The most advanced Evommune program is EVO756, which brings a dual approach to inflammatory diseases. This orally administered small molecule treats mast cells and surrounding neurons by blocking MRGPRX2, a receptor found on both targets. The company believes this approach will not only address inflammation but also provide quick relief from itching. EVO756 has been tested in Phase 2b in inflammatory skin diseases, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Data from both trials are expected to be released later this year.
Evommune went public last November, raising $150 million in its debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “EVMN.” Most of the IPO proceeds were earmarked for plans to advance EVO756 into Phase 2/3 testing for chronic spontaneous urticaria and atopic dermatitis. The company was founded by former executives from Dermira, a dermatology-focused biotech company acquired by Eli Lilly and Company in 2020. Dermira's lead program is an IL-13 blocking antibody marketed by Eli Lilly and Company as the atopic dermatitis drug Ebglyss. The compound that will become EVO756 is licensed to Dermira and is eligible for milestone payments related to the progress of the molecule, according to Evommune IPO filings.
William Blair analyst Matt Phipps said in a note to investors that the EVO301 results provide clear evidence of the concept of atopic dermatitis, supporting the bank's view that until Tuesday there was little value reflected in Evommune's share price. While a full data presentation will clarify the drug's potential position in the crowded atopic dermatitis market, William Blair increased EVO301's probability of success from 29% to 51%. The bank also raised its 2035 sales forecast for the drug to $1 billion from $760 million.
“We believe this may still prove to be conservative, especially if efficacy is demonstrated in other diseases, namely ulcerative colitis,” Phipps said.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Oregon State University via Creative Commons license
