Vyne swings behind BET inhibitors, seeks partner for failed eczema drug

Vyne swings behind BET inhibitors, seeks partner for failed eczema drug

Vyne Therapeutics is putting its mash-up of Pfizer’s Xeljanz and Novartis’ Gilenya on the back burner. After sifting through the data from a failed midphase eczema trial, the biotech has begun searching for a partner for the program to free up its own cash for development of its BET inhibitors.

New Jersey-based Vyne, formerly known as Menlo Therapeutics, developed the topical combination of the approved drugs tofacitinib and fingolimod in the belief the combination of a JAK inhibitor and an S1P modulator would reduce inflammation from two different angles. However, the hypothesis took a hit last year when the formulation, FMX114, failed a phase 2a trial in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.

In response to the setback, Vyne outlined plans to reevaluate its pipeline and priorities. Initially, the firm made the case for FMX114, telling investors that additional analyses showed FMX114 was statistically superior to the control at weeks 1, 2 and 3. The problem was it failed to beat control at Week 4.

Yet, in the months since that update, which made the case that FMX114 may be more effective in people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Vyne has decided against committing more of its own cash to the program. Instead, the biotech is “evaluating partnering opportunities for this program” and putting its money into a pair of BET inhibitors.

Vyne delivered phase 1a safety data on one of its BET inhibitors, the locally administered VYN201, last month. Initial results from a phase 1b trial of the candidate, which is in development as a treatment for vitiligo, are due around the middle of the year. Vyne’s second, oral BET inhibitor is in preclinical development for the treatment of immuno-inflammatory indications.

The biotech has limited cash to commit to the programs. Having ended last year with $31 million in the bank, Vyne anticipates it has enough money to fund operations into the fourth quarter. Using FMX114 to land a deal could give Vyne some more money and buy it more time.

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