Turn Therapeutics expands Phase 2 atopic dermatitis trial after interim data review

Turn Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: TTRX) reported that on July 7, 2026, an interim review of its ongoing Phase 2 trial of GX-03 in atopic dermatitis, overseen by biostatistician Dr. Bruce Stouch and Dr. Stephen Hahn, showed encouraging treatment separation across a broader range of patients than originally anticipated, including patients with lower Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores.¹ The company said this reflects that EASI measures both intensity and extent of eczema, so patients can present with moderate-to-severe lesions but a relatively low EASI score if the disease covers a smaller portion of the body, placing them in a treatment gap where they may not qualify for certain advanced therapies despite having clinically significant disease.¹

Applying the finalized Stage 2 criteria to interim-analysis patients, the company reported that GX-03 separated from vehicle on all four endpoints chosen for Stage 2, including higher rates of clear or almost-clear skin at Week 4, greater proportions reaching a 75% EASI improvement at Week 4, higher rates of a 90% EASI improvement at Week 8, and more patients reaching complete EASI clearance at Week 8, in each case with GX-03 outperforming vehicle by a wide margin, according to the release's reported percentages.

Based on this analysis, the company said it broadened Stage 2 to enroll roughly 120 to 135 patients spanning a wider range of overall disease extent, while still requiring moderate-to-severe lesion severity as measured by an IGA score of at least 3.¹ Turn said the planned Stage 2 sample size is expected to provide at least 99.8% statistical power across the four selected endpoints based on the interim treatment differences observed.¹ The company stated the trial continued without interruption during the interim review and remains on track to complete enrollment by the end of 2026.¹ It also said Stage 1 showed no serious adverse events and no adverse events leading to discontinuation of study drug.¹

Separately, Turn appointed Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., who served as the 24th FDA Commissioner from 2019 to 2021, as Executive Clinical and Regulatory Lead on May 18, 2026.¹ On May 27, 2026, the company announced publication of a peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment reporting preclinical GX-03 results.¹ Turn also said it is planning a Phase 2a study of GX-03 in hidradenitis suppurativa, targeting first patient enrollment in the second quarter of 2027.¹

On finances, the company reported $10.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2026¹, and said this provides operational runway, including for the ongoing Phase 2 AD trial, into the third quarter of 2027.¹