Menlo Therapeutics Inc. has initiated enrollment in two new Phase 2 trials evaluating a novel neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, serlopitant, for the treatment of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis and for the treatment of pruritus following burn injury.

Extensive scientific evidence suggests the neuropeptide, Substance P, plays a major role in the mediation of pruritus.  The NK-1 receptor is the endogenous receptor for Substance P.  Disrupting this common signaling pathway could address pruritus associated with a broad range of potential conditions

The ATOMIK study, MTI-103, is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serlopitant as a treatment to reduce pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. It will enroll approximately 450 subjects at more than 40 clinical sites in the U.S.   The AUBURN study, MTI-104, is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serlopitant for pruritus following burn injury.  The AUBURN study will enroll approximately 150 subjects at approximately 20 clinical sites in the U.S.