Topline results from two Phase III studies show the Belgian group's dual IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor met its primary and secondary endpoints ahead of a filing for hidradenitis suppurativa next year. How well it compares with Humira and Cosentyx in this indication remains to be seen, however.

The Swiss major’s Cosentyx has succeeded in two trials for the debilitating skin condition but there are concerns that the data may not be sufficient to shift AbbVie’s Humira off the top spot for treatment.

The German firm’s monoclonal antibody has received a US thumbs-up for a severe skin disease with high unmet need but it must address diagnostic and educational hurdles.

The company is discontinuing the drug’s development in hidradenitis suppurativa after a Phase II flop, leaving GPP as the only viable indication, for which it is planning to out-license the drug.