Nektar Reports Strong Phase IIb Results for Rezpeg in Atopic Dermatitis

Nektar Therapeutics presented positive Phase IIb data for its atopic dermatitis (AD) candidate rezpeg (rezpegaldesleukin) at EADV 2025, driving significant stock gains. In the RESOLVE-AD trial (NCT06136741) involving 393 patients, mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) improvements were 61% for 24µg/kg every two weeks, 58% for 18µg/kg every two weeks, and 53% for 24µg/kg once monthly, versus 31% in placebo.

Key secondary endpoints, including EASI-75, EASI-90, vIGA-AD 0/1, Itch NRS, and Body Surface Area reductions, also favored the higher-dose cohorts. Extended dosing beyond 16 weeks further deepened clinical effects, with enhanced EASI reductions and higher response rates, according to Professor Jonathan Silverberg.

Rezpeg, an IL-2 pathway agonist and regulatory T-cell proliferator, was initially co-developed with Eli Lilly, but Nektar now independently leads development. The therapy offers a potential alternative to established treatments like Sanofi/Regeneron’s Dupixent, particularly for moderate-to-severe AD patients unresponsive to corticosteroids.

23-09-2025