Merck’s anti‑TL1A antibody tulisokibart fails Phase 2b in systemic sclerosis lung disease but succeeds in hidradenitis suppurativa

Merck reported mixed Phase 2b results for its anti‑TL1A monoclonal antibody tulisokibart, acquired in the 2023 Prometheus Biosciences purchase.

In patients with systemic sclerosis‑associated interstitial lung disease, the trial did not achieve its primary efficacy endpoint, leading Merck to halt the study. No new safety signals were observed.

Conversely, the same antibody met its primary and key secondary endpoints in a Phase 2b study of hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Merck said full data will be presented at an upcoming medical conference.

The outcomes were disclosed alongside Merck’s second‑quarter earnings release, highlighting both a setback and a potential new indication for the $10.8 billion Prometheus acquisition.