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Nektar Therapeutics Presents Breakthrough Data on Rezpegaldesleukin at EADV 2025

Nektar Therapeutics recently showcased new data regarding rezpegaldesleukin, an innovative treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) 2025 Congress held in Paris, France. The results, which were shared by Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, Professor of Dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine, revealed that the study met its primary and key secondary endpoints at week 16.

The REZOLVE-AD Phase 2b Study

The REZOLVE-AD Phase 2b study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of various dosage levels of rezpegaldesleukin. This medication functions as an interleukin-2 pathway agonist, which promotes the proliferation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), potentially leading to significant improvements for patients dealing with eczema. In this study, 393 participants were treated with different dosages of rezpegaldesleukin or placebo, with notable outcomes observed at the 16-week mark.

The results showed a marked improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores across all rezpegaldesleukin groups compared to the placebo group. The high-dose group (24 µg/kg bi-weekly) demonstrated a 61% mean improvement in EASI score versus just 31% in the placebo group.

Furthermore, significant improvements were recorded in secondary endpoints, such as the EASI-75 response rate (42% for high-dose), the validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD), and the Itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

Outcomes for Extended Dosing

In a significant shift from prior findings, the interim data for patients who initially received placebo and later transitioned to the treatment indicated that extended dosing beyond 16 weeks enhanced their clinical outcomes. Patients switching to the rezpegaldesleukin regimen could achieve deeper responses, with EASI reductions improving from 68% to 75% over 24 weeks. The proportion of patients achieving EASI-75 responses rose from 50% at week 16 to 62% at week 24.

Dr. Silverberg commented, "These findings clearly illustrate a rapid onset of treatment effectiveness, reflecting both clinician-assessed and patient-reported improvements from the first doses. The observed deepening effects afford exciting implications regarding the treatment duration."

Safety and Efficacy Observations

While the efficacy data was compelling, safety remained a priority throughout the study. Over the 16-week induction period, adverse events were observed in 66% of patients receiving the highest dosage, with only one serious event recorded, highlighting the therapy's overall safety profile.

Nektar Therapeutics’ Chief R&D Officer, Dr. Jonathan Zalevsky, remarked on the broader implications of these results, stating that they validate the novel Treg mechanism as an effective therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory skin disorders.

Regulatory Progress and Future Directions

The rezpegaldesleukin treatment has garnered Fast Track designation from the FDA for managing atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, indicating both the treatment's promise and the urgent need for effective therapies for individuals struggling with these conditions.

Conclusion

Nektar Therapeutics continues to make strides in the field of dermatology, with rezpegaldesleukin poised to become a key option for patients battling atopic dermatitis. The company looks forward to sharing further developments related to other indications for this treatment, especially in alopecia areata, in upcoming months. These findings underscore the potential for innovative immunological therapies in reshaping the landscape of chronic inflammatory skin conditions.