Chronic spontaneous urticaria, also known as chronic hives, is a skin condition of unknown cause that causes red, raised, and itchy hives that are occasionally painful. These hives last for six weeks or more. As per Allergy UK, chronic spontaneous urticaria is not caused by allergens but by an immune response, and is managed symptomatically with anti-histamines, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatories.
The two randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled Phase III studies (NCT05030311 and NCT05032157) demonstrated a change at 12 weeks, from baseline, on the urticaria signs and symptoms evaluation questionnaire, weekly urticaria activity score (UAS7).
“These positive top-line results from the Phase III REMIX studies confirm that remibrutinib, a highly selective BTK inhibitor, has the potential to be a first-in-class, oral treatment for people living with CSU whose symptoms are refractory despite the use of antihistamines,” said Shreeram Aradhye, chief medical officer of Novartis in a press release.
Additional one-year follow-up data is planned for presentation at scientific conferences in 2024. Furthermore, Novartis is planning to apply for regulatory submissions in 2024.