Merck KGaA Starts Enpatoran Phase 3 for Lupus Skin Flares
Key Questions
What is enpatoran and what is its target?
Enpatoran is an oral TLR7/8 inhibitor developed by Merck KGaA for lupus. It targets active skin manifestations, which affect about 85% of lupus patients.
What milestone was recently achieved in enpatoran's development?
The first patient was dosed in the Phase 3 clinical program. This follows promising Phase 2 results showing cutaneous efficacy.
What are the details of the Phase 3 trials for enpatoran?
The trials, named ELOWEN-1 and ELOWEN-2, evaluate enpatoran for lupus patients with active skin symptoms. The primary endpoint is CLASI-A, measuring skin disease activity.
First patient dosed in enpatoran Phase 3 trial for active skin manifestations in lupus patients (oral TLR7/8 inhibitor, CLASI-A endpoint). Builds on Phase 2 cutaneous efficacy, targeting visible symptoms in 85% of patients.
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Updated May 6, 2026