Q32 Bio, a clinical stage biotechnology company, and Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP), a biopharmaceutical company, announced on Wednesday that the first subject has been dosed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase two multicentre, proof-of-concept study to assess bempikibart in adults with severe alopecia areata.

The firms are collaborating to develop bempikibart, a fully human anti-IL-7R-alpha antibody that re-regulates adaptive immune function by blocking signalling mediated by both IL-7 and TSLP, two key immune pathways.

Jodie Morrison, board member and acting chief executive officer, Q32 Bio, said, 'Dosing of the first patient in the Phase 2 study in alopecia areata, in addition to our ongoing Phase 2 study in atopic dermatitis, demonstrate the breadth of potential applications of bempikibart and our deep commitment to transform the lives of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Q32 Bio and Horizon are mutually dedicated to advancing bempikibart expeditiously through both Phase 2 studies.'