LEO Pharma Announces Publication of Head-to-Head DELTA FORCE Study Results in The Lancet

National Post

24-04-2025

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DELTA FORCE is the first head-to-head phase 3 trial comparing a systemic and investigational delgocitinib topical treatment for Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE). 1
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TORONTO — LEO Pharma A/S, a global leader in medical dermatology, is pleased to share that The Lancet, which is considered one of the most influential peer-reviewed medical journals in the world, has published an article discussing the findings of the DELTA FORCE trial for investigational delgocitinib cream.
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The publication summarizes the results of DELTA FORCE, a phase 3, two-arm trial (N=513) that compares the efficacy and safety of delgocitinib cream with alitretinoin capsules. 1 Alitretinoin is the only treatment currently approved in Canada to treat severe CHE in patients who do not respond to topical corticosteroids. 2 In Canada and the US, delgocitinib cream is currently under review and has not been approved by Health Canada or the FDA.
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Delgocitinib cream achieved the primary outcome measure of the DELTA FORCE trial, assessing the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) scores from baseline to Week 12 compared to alitretinoin capsules.
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Delgocitinib cream also met all key secondary outcome measures, including Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA)-CHE treatment success, a reduction in HECSI scores from baseline to Week 24, and improvement in health-related quality of life, as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
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Furthermore, patients receiving delgocitinib cream had fewer treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) compared to those receiving alitretinoin capsules.
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'The discussion of delgocitinib and the presentation of DELTA FORCE data in The Lancet is an exciting moment for the LEO Pharma team,' said Robert Spurr, EVP, LEO Pharma, North America and President, LEO Pharma, US. 'We are proud to contribute to the overall understanding of moderate to severe chronic hand eczema, helping uncover potentially new treatment options for those living with skin conditions like CHE.'
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'We know that CHE is an under researched condition,' commented Dr. Charles Lynde, Chief Medical Director, The Lynde Institute for Dermatology & Lynderm Research Inc. and Associate Professor, University of Toronto, Department of Medicine. 'We hope that discussions of the DELTA FORCE program, like that published in The Lancet, will continue to raise awareness of the disease, inspire new research, and ultimately help improve the quality of life of those living with CHE.'
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DELTA FORCE was a 24-week, randomized, assessor-blinded, active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3, two-arm trial to compare the efficacy and safety of delgocitinib cream twice-daily with alitretinoin capsules once-daily in adult participants with severe chronic hand eczema. 1
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The primary endpoint of the trial was the change in Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) score from baseline to Week 12. Participants assigned to receive delgocitinib cream applied the drug to the skin twice a day for 16 weeks. Participants assigned to receive alitretinoin capsules took the drug orally once a day for 12 weeks. All participants were permitted to continue for up to 24 weeks if the doctor considered that they were benefiting from the treatment. 1
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About Chronic Hand Eczema
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Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) is defined as hand eczema (HE) that lasts for more than three months or relapses twice or more within a year. 5,6 HE is the most common skin disorder of the hands 7 with a prevalence rate of approximately 4.7%. 8 In a substantial number of patients, HE can develop into a chronic condition. 7 CHE is a fluctuating disorder characterized by itch and pain, and patients may experience signs such as erythema, scaling, lichenification, hyperkeratosis, vesicles, edema, and fissures on hands and wrists. 2
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CHE has been shown to cause psychological and functional burdens that impact patient quality of life, 9 with approximately 70% of individuals who live with severe CHE admitting to problems in performing everyday activities, and suffering disruption in their daily life due to the condition. 10 Furthermore, careers and earning potential have also been shown to be impacted by the burden of living with CHE. 11
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Delgocitinib cream is a topical pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe CHE. It inhibits the activation of JAK-STAT signaling, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of CHE. 12 The pathophysiology is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation of the skin, and alterations of the skin microbiome. 13
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In 2014, LEO Pharma A/S and Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) entered into a license agreement in which LEO Pharma gained exclusive rights to develop and commercialize delgocitinib cream for topical use in dermatological indications worldwide, excluding Japan, where JT retains rights.
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Delgocitinib cream is currently approved and marketed under the trade name Anzupgo® in the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults for whom topical corticosteroids are inadequate or inappropriate. Delgocitinib is under investigation in Canada and the United States.