Galderma’s Nemluvio (nemolizumab) has demonstrated sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in the key signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis, according to results from a long-term extension (LTE) study of the drug.

Data from an interim analysis of the OLYMPIA LTE, presented at this year’s International Congress of Dermatology, has shown that more than 90% and 70% of evaluable patients achieved at least a four-point improvement in itch, and were itch free or nearly itch free, respectively, at week 100.

At the same time point, at least 80% of patients in the trial achieved 76% to 100% healed pruriginous lesions, and around 75% experienced clearance or almost-clearance of skin nodules.

Estimated to affect up to 181,000 people in the US, prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin disorder characterised by intense itch and thick skin nodules covering large body areas.

Nemluvio, which was initially developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical, is designed to address the underlying cause of the disorder by inhibiting signalling of the neuroimmune cytokine IL-31.

The drug already holds approvals to treat prurigo nodularis, as well as atopic dermatitis, another chronic skin condition.

Commenting on the latest results for the drug, Baldo Scassellati Sforzolini, global head of research and development at Galderma, said: “This promising data goes even further in highlighting the extensive benefits of Nemluvio. As this treatment becomes available in more countries around the world, it’s highly encouraging to see its robust evidence base continue to expand and strengthen.”

Lead investigator of the OLYMPIA studies in Europe, Sonja Ständer, added: “These impressive results give us even more confidence in the value of [Nemluvio] – a much-needed innovative medicine that has the potential to deeply impact the prurigo nodularis treatment landscape.”

Galderma holds exclusive rights to the development and marketing of nemolizumab everywhere except Japan, where it is marketed as Mitchga.