Arcutis Enrolls First Patient in Phase 1b Alopecia Areata Study of ARQ-255

ARQ-255 is a topical janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy specifically designed as a potential treatment for alopecia areata

The first subject has been enrolled in a Phase 1b study evaluating Arcutis’ ARQ-255, a topical suspension of ivarmactinib, a potent and specific janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor, for the treatment of alopecia areata.

ARQ-255 has been specifically formulated with Arcutis’ proprietary 4D technology to deliver drug deep into the skin to the base of the hair follicle, the site of the inflammation that underlies alopecia areata.

“Alopecia areata is an immune condition that not only causes hair loss, but also causes significant negative impact on an individual’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Today, there are no FDA-approved topical therapies to treat the condition,” says Frank Watanabe, President and CEO at Arcutis, in a news release. “We are delighted to take this first step in the clinical development of ARQ-255, which leverages our unique 4D technology to deliver drug to the site of inflammation deep in the hair follicle.”

The phase 1b, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, multicenter study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of treatment with ARQ-255 topical suspension 3% or vehicle in healthy adult volunteers and individuals with patchy alopecia areata.

ARQ-255, or topical invarmactiniib suspension, is a topical janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor therapy for alopecia areata. Topical treatment of alopecia areata is challenging due to the depth of inflammation and the dense vasculature that surrounds the hair bulb. ARQ-255 has been uniquely formulated to deliver drug deeper into the skin than conventional topical formulations, to reach the site of inflammation in alopecia areata.