#USA #Cambridge #Atopic Dermatitis #Concerto Biosciences #ENS-002

Promising Developments in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Concerto Biosciences®, a cutting-edge biotech firm focused on developing microbial therapies, has revealed promising topline results from its Phase 1b clinical trial of ENS-002. This trial investigated a three-strain live biotherapeutic for patients suffering from mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.

Trial Overview

The Phase 1b clinical trial's primary objective was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ENS-002 while exploring initial signs of efficacy. The open-label study involved eight adults with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, who were divided into two groups based on the dosage. Participants underwent treatment and were closely monitored for one month afterward to assess the treatment's lasting impact.

Safety and Efficacy Results

The results have been largely positive, demonstrating that ENS-002 is not only safe but well tolerated. Importantly, there were no drug-related adverse events reported throughout the study. Furthermore, secondary outcomes indicated significant improvements in eczema symptoms, highlighted by the effective suppression of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly linked to flare-ups, while maintaining the skin’s healthy microbial community.

Dr. Cheri Ackerman, the co-founder and CEO of Concerto Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm regarding the findings, stating, "ENS-002 does not function like conventional therapies and presents a new class of medicine that could offer extended management flexibility for patients suffering from atopic dermatitis."

Key Findings

The trial yielded a series of encouraging findings:

• - Safety: All participants completed the treatment without any serious adverse events.
• - Efficacy: Clinical improvements were noted, with reductions in eczema severity and itchiness persisting during the one-month follow-up period.
• - Microbiome Preservation: Unlike traditional antibiotics that disrupt healthy skin bacteria, ENS-002 effectively targeted S. aureus while preserving beneficial skin microbes, distinguishing it as a novel therapeutic approach.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Concerto Biosciences plans to conduct further studies to substantiate these findings in broader patient populations, including both adults and children. These upcoming trials aim to establish effective maintenance dosing schedules to uncover the long-term benefits of ENS-002 treatment.

Dr. Bernardo Cervantes, another co-founder of the company, emphasized the innovative nature of their product: "By leveraging our scientific capabilities, we efficiently transitioned complex microbial science into clinical application, and we are now dedicated to a Phase 2 trial that we hope will validate efficacy and deliver essential benefits to patients."

Understanding Atopic Dermatitis and S. aureus

Atopic dermatitis affects a significant portion of the population, with the presence of S. aureus documented in a large majority of cases, exacerbating symptoms through its virulent factors. Traditional antibiotic approaches have often resulted in temporary relief but fail to maintain a balanced skin microbiome, paving the way for recurrent flare-ups.

ENS-002 is designed with the intent of addressing these challenges. It combines three strains of beneficial skin bacteria aimed at curbing S. aureus proliferation while supporting the host’s natural defense system against the disorder.

Conclusion

The results of this Phase 1b trial for ENS-002 offer a glimpse into a transformative therapy that could redefine how atopic dermatitis is treated moving forward. Concerto Biosciences remains committed to harnessing the power of microbes to enhance consumer and therapeutic products, setting the stage for more groundbreaking developments in skin health.

For further information about Concerto Biosciences and its innovative approach to addressing unmet medical needs, visit www.concertobio.com.