Researchers are looking for new ways to treat radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). R-axSpA is a type of arthritis that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation (swelling) in the spine and joints in the pelvis (hip bone). Radiographic means the damage it causes can be seen on X-rays. This study will help find out if a study medicine called tulisokibart can treat symptoms of r-axSpA. Researchers will look at different doses of tulisokibart. Researchers want to know if at least one of the study doses of tulisokibart works better than a placebo to improve r-axSpA symptoms. A placebo looks like the study medicine but has no study medicine in it. Using a placebo helps researchers better understand the effects of the study medicine.
Phase 2 trials begin testing efficacy in a larger patient group (100–300). This is often where biotech binary events occur — positive Phase 2 data can significantly advance a company's pipeline narrative, while failures can be terminal for a program.
Currently recruiting: the trial is enrolling patients. A data readout is not expected until after enrollment closes and the follow-up period is complete.
Merck & Co (MRK) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company F (35/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.