Clinical stage biotechnology company Evommune Inc announced on Tuesday the enrolment of the first patient in a global Phase 2b trial of EVO756, an orally available, highly potent and selective small molecule antagonist of mas-related G-protein coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2), in adults with moderate to severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

EVO756 is being evaluated in a global, multi-centre, Phase 2b randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study evaluating its efficacy and safety in adults with moderate to severe CSU. Approximately 160 patients will be enrolled and patients will be randomised to receive one of three active dose regimens or placebo.

"The dual mechanism of EVO756, which has been shown in preclinical studies to address MRGPRX2 activation on both mast cells and peripheral sensory neurons, represents a promising new therapeutic approach for CSU and a broad range of other inflammatory diseases for which new treatments are urgently needed. Building upon these studies and our previously disclosed EVO756 clinical proof-of-concept data, we are pleased to have the Phase 2b CSU trial now underway. In addition, we are planning to initiate a separate Phase 2b trial of EVO756, in atopic dermatitis, later this year," said Luis Peña, Evommune president and CEO.