By Colin Kellaher

Eli Lilly & Co. and Incyte Corp. on Tuesday said a second Phase 3 study of baricitinib showed improved hair regrowth in patients with the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata.

The companies said data from the study are consistent with findings from the first Phase 3 trial, with a statistically significant proportion of patients treated with baricitinib achieving the primary endpoint of hair regrowth across the two dosing regimens at 36 weeks compared with those treated with placebo.

There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for alopecia areata, which can cause unpredictable hair loss on the scalp, face and other areas of the body. Eli Lilly and Incyte said data from the two studies will support a regulatory submission to achieve a potential first-in-disease approval.

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly signed an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Incyte, a Wilmington, Del., biopharmaceutical company, in late 2009 to develop and commercialize baricitinib and other compounds for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Write to Colin Kellaher at colin.kellaher@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-20-21 0732ET