• The trial aims to establish clinical proof-of-concept in psoriasis and proof-of-mechanism for other CCR6- and Th17-associated autoimmune indications

Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) announces the initiation of a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial evaluating IDOR-1117-2520 for participants with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. IDOR-1117-2520 is Idorsia’s first-in-class, oral, selective CCR6 receptor antagonist designed to block the CCR6/CCL20 axis and prevent the migration of disease-driving Th17 immune cells.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin condition driven by the IL-23/Th17 pathway, characterized by elevated CCL20 and CCR6-positive cells in affected skin.¹ There is a significant need for oral drugs with innovative mechanisms of action that address Th17-driven conditions such as psoriasis.

The 12-week exploratory Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial will evaluate whether CCR6 blockade improves psoriasis by preventing pathogenic immune cells from reaching the skin. Two dosages of the once-daily oral drug will be tested against placebo, using established clinical endpoints such as Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and biomarkers including beta-defensin 2, a key indicator of disease activity.² Psoriasis is a well-validated indication to demonstrate clinical proof-of-mechanism for targeting of the IL-23/Th17 pathway that matches Idorsia’s ambition for its investigational compound.

Alberto Gimona MD, Head of Global Clinical Development at Idorsia, commented:
“The potential for an oral therapy that delivers biologic-like efficacy is compelling. We’ve designed a trial that evaluates the speed and magnitude of response, dose performance, and safety in a well-characterized Th17-driven disease. A positive outcome would confirm clinical proof-of-concept in psoriasis and mechanistic validation for expansion into other CCR6- and Th17-associated indications.”