Investigational Atopic Dermatitis Cream Disappoints in Phase II Trial

Results from a phase II trial do not bode well for the future of the investigational atopic dermatitis cream MRX-6. The double-blind, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of MRX-6 cream 2% among 73 children suffering from mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Patients were randomized on a 1:1 ratio in the active and control arms of the trial into a four-week double-blind period, followed by a four-week open label extension for those who elected to continue. Results of the trial showed that MRX-6 cream did not demonstrate a difference in mean change from baseline to day 28 in the Investigator's Global Assessment and placebo response was higher in comparison to the candidate. Manufacturer Celsus Therapeutics submitted an investigational new drug application for the agent in December 2014.