Menlo Therapeutics Begins Phase 2 Clinical Trial for Pruritus Associated with Psoriasis

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 21, 2017 -- Menlo Therapeutics Inc., a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a neurokinin 1 (NK‐1) receptor antagonist (serlopitant) for the treatment of pruritus (itch) and refractory chronic cough, has initiated enrollment in a new Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating serlopitant for the treatment of pruritus associated with psoriasis. 

The PSORIXA study, MTI-109, is a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of serlopitant for the treatment of pruritus associated with psoriasis. The PSORIXA study will enroll approximately 200 patients at approximately 40 clinical sites in the U.S. Additional study information is available on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03343639).

There are an estimated 12 million people in the United States who have psoriasis, a common chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin, causing redness, irritation and scaly lesions.  In a recent survey of 5,604 psoriasis patients, over 90% reported pruritus as a significantly bothersome symptom. 

About Serlopitant
Serlopitant is a once-daily NK-1 receptor antagonist being developed for the treatment of pruritus, or itch, associated with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and prurigo nodularis. Serlopitant is also being evaluated as a potential treatment for refractory chronic cough, a cough which persists for greater than eight weeks despite treatment of any identified underlying cause. Menlo Therapeutics has completed two Phase 2 studies with serlopitant showing a statistically significant reduction in pruritus compared to placebo.  Serlopitant has been evaluated in more than 1,000 patients and has been shown to be well-tolerated, including in patients who have received treatment for up to a year. Serlopitant is an investigational drug that is not currently approved for use in any indication. 

About Menlo Therapeutics Inc. 
Menlo Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held late stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of serlopitant, a once-daily oral NK1 receptor antagonist, for the treatment of pruritus associated with various underlying dermatological conditions and for refractory chronic cough. The company has initiated a broad clinical development program for serlopitant including Phase 2 studies for the treatment of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis, pruritus associated with psoriasis, and refractory chronic cough, and expects to start Phase 3 trials for the treatment of pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis in the first half of 2018. Menlo Therapeutics has worldwide rights to serlopitant, excluding Japan where Menlo Therapeutics has licensed serlopitant to JT Torii. Menlo is funded by leading healthcare investors. More information is available at www.menlotherapeutics.com.

Contact for Menlo Therapeutics: [email protected]

Investor Contact: [email protected]