Azitra, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology therapies, announced promising preclinical data demonstrating the potential of its platform for precision dermatology. The findings will be presented at two oral sessions focusing on innovative approaches to skin disease treatment using engineered skin commensals.
ATR-12, an engineered strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis, expresses a fragment of the LEKTI protein, which is deficient in Netherton syndrome patients. Preclinical studies showed that topical application of ATR-12 significantly reduced inflammation and protease activity in skin models.
Based on these promising results, Azitra has an open IND for a Phase 1b clinical trial to assess ATR-12 in adult Netherton syndrome patients. The data presented also demonstrates ATR-12’s ability to provide more sustained and penetrating delivery of LEKTI protein compared to topical application of LEKTI alone.
Azitra’s platform has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of skin diseases by harnessing the natural interactions between skin commensals and the immune system. These preclinical data provide a strong foundation for the further development of precision dermatology therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.