Talk Bio

Merck's investigational anti-TL1A monoclonal antibody, tulisokibart (MK-7240), has recently scored a win in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) while failing in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), a rare lung condition. In a Phase 2b trial for moderate‑to‑severe hidradenitis suppurativa (NCT06956235), tulisokibart met both its primary endpoint—defined as ≥50% reduction in abscess and nodule count—and key secondary endpoints, including improvements in quality of life and tolerability. The HS trial results were presented as part of Merck’s mid‑2026 pipeline update; the company plans to share detailed data at an upcoming medical meeting but has not yet published full numerical results publicly. In contrast, in the Phase 2 ATHENA‑SSc‑ILD trial (NCT05270668) in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease, tulisokibart missed its primary endpoint, leading Merck to discontinue further development of the antibody in this rare lung disease (SSc‑ILD...