- Phase 3 IZAR-1 trial in bio-naïve patients met all clinical endpoints at Week 16 for 60 mg sonelokimab
- The primary endpoint of ACR50 was met with a high response of 42.1% for sonelokimab’s 60 mg with induction, and significant responses were observed across key secondary endpoints, including ACR20 (66.5%), MDA (41.2%) and PASI90 (61%), supporting the broad multidomain efficacy profile of sonelokimab in psoriatic arthritis
- Meaningful and statistically significant improvements were seen across patient-reported outcomes and physical function measures, including HAQ-DI and SF-36 PCS
- Blinded safety analysis suggests a profile consistent with previous studies and no new safety signals were identified, reinforcing sonelokimab's potential to become a leading treatment option for patients living with psoriatic arthritis, and enabling MoonLake’s entry into another multi-billion dollar indication
- The IZAR-1 trial remains blinded and will continue until Week 52 with MoonLake expecting the full readout in H1 2027 whereas the IZAR-2 trial (a trial in TNF-refractory patients) is expected to complete enrollment in Q3 2026
- MoonLake ended the second quarter with $537.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable debt securities and expects to have a cash runway to mid-2028; additionally, up to
$400 million in non-dilutive funds remain available through its debt facility with Hercules Capital
IZAR-1 Phase 3 trial Week 16 positive topline results
The IZAR Phase 3 program consists of two registrational global randomized, double-blind trials, IZAR-1 and IZAR-2, designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). IZAR-1 is being conducted in biologic-naïve adults with active PsA. Following the Week 16 primary endpoint analysis, patients will continue participating in their respective studies through Week 52 to evaluate the durability of efficacy and safety of sonelokimab.
The primary endpoint of IZAR-1 is the percentage of patients achieving an
The Phase 3 IZAR-1 trial met all clinical endpoints at Week 16 for 60 mg sonelokimab. Consistent with the unblinding protocol defined with the FDA, topline disclosure at Week 16 includes absolute response levels and endpoint outcomes for the sonelokimab 60 mg with induction arm. Comparative analyses versus placebo and detailed treatment arm data remain blinded until completion of the Phase 3 program.
A total of 42.1% of biologic-naïve patients treated with sonelokimab 60 mg with induction achieved an ACR50 response. In addition, sonelokimab demonstrated strong efficacy across multiple disease domains characteristic of PsA. Across key secondary clinical endpoints, 66.5% of patients achieved ACR20, and 41.2% achieved MDA at Week 16. In patients with concomitant skin involvement, 61% achieved PASI90 at Week 16. Patients treated with sonelokimab also demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported and physical outcomes. Mean change from baseline in HAQ-DI was -0.427, while improvements were observed in SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) with a score of 6.54. IZAR-1 does not include a Standard of Care arm as ARGO had provided data in such context for the Bio-Naïve population (adalimumab arm). IZAR-2 will provide data in comparison with a Standard of Care (risankizumab) in TNF-refractory patients.
The blinded safety analysis of IZAR-1 suggests a profile consistent with previous clinical studies and no new safety signals were observed. In addition, the drop-out rate of IZAR-1 until Week 16 is low and in line with other trials in PsA.
These results further support the potential of sonelokimab to address, not just single symptoms of PsA, but rather the diverse manifestations of psoriatic arthritis through meaningful improvements across musculoskeletal symptoms, skin disease, patient quality of life and physical function. After the lead indication of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) these results set the path for sonelokimab to compete in another multi-billion dollar indication.
Dr.
Prof.
Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Today, MoonLake also reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. As of
Important upcoming anticipated milestones for MoonLake:
- HS:
- End
Sep. 2026 : Expected submission of Biologics License Application (BLA) - End
Nov. 2026 : Expected to receive Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date allocation and decision on Priority Review
- End
- Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP): Expected to commence enrollment in H2 2026
- PsA – IZAR-2: Expected to complete enrollment in Q3 2026
- PsA/axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): Expected to report results from the P-OLARIS trial at the end of 2026 or early 2027
-Ends-
About Nanobodies®
Nanobodies® represent a new generation of antibody-derived targeted therapies. They consist of one or more domains based on the small antigen-binding variable regions of heavy-chain-only antibodies (VHH). Nanobodies® have a number of potential advantages over traditional antibodies, including their small size, enhanced tissue penetration, resistance to temperature changes, ease of manufacturing, and their ability to be designed into multivalent therapeutic molecules with bespoke target combinations.
The terms Nanobody® and Nanobodies® are trademarks of
About Sonelokimab
Sonelokimab (M1095) is an investigational ~40 kDa humanized Nanobody® consisting of three VHHs covalently linked by flexible glycine-serine spacers. With two domains, sonelokimab selectively binds with high affinity to IL-17A and IL-17F, thereby inhibiting the IL-17A/A, IL-17A/F, and IL-17F/F dimers. A third central domain binds to human albumin, facilitating further enrichment of sonelokimab at sites of inflammatory edema.
Sonelokimab is being assessed in two lead indications, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and the Company is pursuing other indications in dermatology and rheumatology, including adolescent HS, palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
For adults with HS, sonelokimab is being assessed in two identical Phase 3 trials, the VELA-1 and VELA-2 trials, using the higher clinical response level of HS Clinical Response (HiSCR) 75 as the primary endpoint, which defines a response as an at least 75% reduction in abscess and inflammatory nodule count, with no increase from baseline in abscess or draining tunnel count. In
Sonelokimab is currently undergoing evaluation in the VELA-TEEN Phase 3 trial, which is the first clinical study specifically focused on adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe HS. In
For PsA, sonelokimab is being assessed in the Phase 3 trials, IZAR-1 and IZAR-2, following the announcement in
Sonelokimab is also being assessed in PPP, a debilitating inflammatory skin condition affecting a significant number of patients, including in the completed Phase 2 LEDA program. In the Phase 2 LEDA clinical trial in PPP, sonelokimab demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit. Patients treated with sonelokimab achieved a mean percent change from baseline in the Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) of 64% at Week 16, and 39% of patients achieved a =75% reduction in the PPPASI (PPPASI75), suggesting that sonelokimab could provide clinically meaningful improvements in this disease for which there are currently no approved therapies. The safety profile of sonelokimab in the LEDA trial was consistent with previous trials with no new safety signals detected.
Additionally, sonelokimab is being assessed in the ongoing Phase 2 S-OLARIS and P-OLARIS trials for active axSpA and PsA, respectively. Both trials feature an innovative design complementing traditional clinical outcomes with cellular imaging techniques.
Sonelokimab has also been assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled third-party Phase 2b trial (NCT03384745) in 313 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. High threshold clinical responses (Investigator’s Global Assessment Score 0 or 1, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 90/100) were observed in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Sonelokimab generally presented a safety profile similar to the active control, secukinumab (Papp KA, et al.
In an earlier third-party Phase 1 trial in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis, sonelokimab decreased (to normal skin levels) the cutaneous gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Svecova D. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019; 81:196–203).
About the VELA program
The Phase 3 VELA program recruited a total of 838 patients across VELA-1 and VELA-2. Both global, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trials are identical in design evaluating the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab, administered subcutaneously, in adult patients with active moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. Similar to the design of the landmark Phase 2 MIRA trial, the primary endpoint is the percentage of participants achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) 75, defined as a =75% reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count with no increase in abscess or draining tunnel count relative to baseline. The trials also evaluate a number of secondary endpoints, including the proportion of patients achieving HiSCR50, the change from baseline in International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), the proportion of patients achieving a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total reduction of =4, the proportion of patients achieving at least 50% reduction from baseline in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS50) in the Patient’s Global Assessment of
About the MIRA trial
The MIRA trial is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Nanobody® sonelokimab, administered subcutaneously, in the treatment of adult patients with active moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The trial recruited 234 patients, with the aim to evaluate two different doses of sonelokimab (120 mg and 240 mg) with placebo control and adalimumab as an active reference arm. The primary endpoint of the trial is the percentage of participants achieving Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response 75 (HiSCR75), defined as a =75% reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule (AN) count with no increase in abscess or draining tunnel count relative to baseline. The trial also evaluated a number of secondary endpoints, including the proportion of patients achieving HiSCR50, the change from baseline in International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), the proportion of patients achieving a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score of =5, and the proportion of patients achieving at least 30% reduction from baseline in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS30) in the Patient’s Global Assessment of
About the VELA-TEEN trial
The Phase 3 VELA-TEEN trial is an open-label, single-arm trial designed to evaluate sonelokimab 120 mg administered subcutaneously once every two weeks (Q2W) until week six and once every four weeks (Q4W) from week eight onwards. The trial enrolled 35 adolescents, aged 12-17, with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, from
About Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a severely debilitating chronic skin condition resulting in irreversible tissue destruction. HS manifests as painful inflammatory skin lesions, typically around the armpits, groin, and buttocks. Over time, uncontrolled and inadequately treated inflammation can result in irreversible tissue destruction and scarring. The disease affects an estimated 2% of the population, with three times more females affected than males. Real-world data in
About the IZAR Program
IZAR-1 and IZAR-2 are global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab compared with placebo in a total of approximately 1,500 adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with a primary endpoint of superiority to placebo in
About the P-OLARIS trial
The P-OLARIS trial is a Phase 2 trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab 60 mg administered subcutaneously in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with a focus on characterizing how sonelokimab affects markers of inflammation and tissue damage within joints. The trial aims to recruit approximately 20 patients with PsA and 10 patients with axSpA. The primary endpoint is the change in disease activity at Week 12, as measured by [68Ga]-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-tracer uptake (SUVmax) on FAPI-positron emission tomography (PET)/low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans, a novel imaging modality able to detect inflammation and early tissue damage within joints. Throughout the trial, several other endpoints will be assessed including established clinical disease activity outcomes, as well as patient reported outcomes that assess the impact of disease signs and symptoms. The trial also features an innovative exploratory peripheral blood and tissue biomarker program. The trial design has been informed by previous successful studies of sonelokimab, including the landmark Phase 2 ARGO trial in PsA as well as the Phase 2 S-OLARIS trial in axSpA which demonstrated the potential of sonelokimab to target deep tissue inflammation effectively. Further details are available under EUCT number 2024-514504-13-00 at https://euclinicaltrials.eu.
About Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, progressive and complex inflammatory disease that manifests across multiple domains, leading to substantial functional impairment and decreased quality of life. The clinical features of PsA are diverse, comprising both musculoskeletal (peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, dactylitis, and enthesitis) and non-musculoskeletal (skin and nail disease) domains. PsA occurs in up to 30% of patients with psoriasis, most commonly those aged between 30 and 60 years. Although the exact mechanism of disease is not fully understood, evidence suggests that activation of the IL-17 pathway plays an important role in the disease pathophysiology.
About the S-OLARIS trial
The S-OLARIS trial is a Phase 2 trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab 60 mg administered subcutaneously in adult patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The trial recruited 26 patients. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline (CfB) in 18F-NaF SUVmax signals at Week 12 in the sacroiliac joints and spine as detected by PET. Throughout the trial, several other endpoints will be assessed including established clinical disease activity outcomes (e.g., ASAS), scores related to physical function, spinal mobility, and enthesitis as well as patient reported outcomes. The trial also features an innovative exploratory peripheral blood and tissue biomarker program. The trial design has been informed by previous successful studies of sonelokimab, including the landmark Phase 2 ARGO trial in psoriatic arthritis, which identified the optimal dosing and demonstrated the potential of sonelokimab to target deep tissue inflammation effectively. Further details are available under EUCT number 2024-513498-36-00 at https://euclinicaltrials.eu.
About Axial Spondyloarthritis
Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) typically impacts young people, with diagnosis based on chronic inflammatory back pain lasting more than three months with onset under 45 years of age. Advanced disease can lead to progressive and pathologic bone formation and joint fusion, severely limiting spinal mobility. Global reported prevalence of axSpA ranges from 0.5% to 1.5%. AxSpA can be categorized by disease progression into two subtypes: non-radiographic axSpA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also known as radiographic axSpA, which is diagnosed based on radiographic evidence of structural changes to the sacroiliac joints. Patients with axSpA experience fatigue, persistent morning stiffness, and pain that worsens at night and can disrupt sleep. Many patients also face the burden of comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Studies have found elevated IL-17 levels in the blood and synovial fluid of patients with axSpA, and IL-17A and IL-17F are both thought to be key contributors to pathogenesis across the spondyloarthropathies.
About the LEDA Trial
The LEDA trial is a Phase 2 trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab 120 mg administered subcutaneously in adult patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). The trial recruited 32 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is percent change from baseline in Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (ppPASI) with important secondary endpoints including ppPASI75 (at least 75% improvement in the ppPASI). The LEDA trial features an innovative translational research program using peripheral blood and tissue biomarkers as trial controls. The trial design has been informed by previous successful studies of sonelokimab, including the landmark Phase 2 MIRA trial in hidradenitis suppurativa, which identified the optimal dosing and demonstrated the potential of sonelokimab to target deep tissue inflammation effectively. Further details are available under EUCT number 2024-513305-32-00 at https://euclinicaltrials.eu.
About Palmoplantar Pustulosis
Palmoplantar Pustulosis (PPP) is characterized by the development of blister-like pustules within erythematous, scaly plaques on the palms and the soles of the feet. PPP typically develops in adulthood and more frequently impacts females. Patients frequently experience significant pain, burning, and itching sensations on the palms and soles of the feet which can be debilitating and impair their ability to work, sleep, or perform other activities of daily living. Currently, the treatment of PPP is challenging with a significant unmet need for novel therapies to reduce the symptom burden for patients. Evidence suggests that activation of the IL-17 pathway has an important role in disease pathophysiology.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding MoonLake’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding: the efficacy and safety of sonelokimab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe HS, PsA and PPP; the anticipated interactions with regulatory authorities, including the FDA and the anticipated BLA-submission, PDUFA date allocation and Priority Review designation decision; the proposed label and labeling discussions with the FDA for sonelokimab in HS, including potential inclusion of clinical data from the MIRA trial; potential market opportunities for sonelokimab; upcoming anticipated clinical milestones, including the full readout of the Phase 3 IZAR-1 trial in PsA and Phase 2 P-OLARIS trial in PsA and axSpA, the completion of enrollment of the Phase 3 IZAR-2 trial in PsA, and the commencement of enrollment of the Phase 3 trial in PPP; timing of first commercial launch in the United States; and anticipated cash runway. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward looking.
Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by MoonLake and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with MoonLake’s business in general and limited operating history; difficulty enrolling patients in clinical trials; state and federal healthcare reform measures that could result in reduced demand for MoonLake’s product candidates; reliance on third parties to conduct and support its preclinical studies and clinical trials; and the other risks described in or incorporated by reference into MoonLake’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. MoonLake does not undertake or accept any duty to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in the events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Contacts:
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics Media & Investors Relations
ir@moonlaketx.com
ICR Healthcare
Mary-Jane Elliott, Sarah Elton-Farr, Ashley Tapp
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700
MoonLake@ICRHealthcare.com
MOONLAKE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||
| Assets | ||||
| Current assets | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 477,905 | $ 298,490 | ||
| Short-term marketable debt securities | 59,125 | 59,431 | ||
| Prepaid expenses | 26,447 | 32,957 | ||
| Other receivables | 6,561 | 5,763 | ||
| Total current assets | 570,038 | 396,641 | ||
| Non-current assets | ||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 2,078 | 1,857 | ||
| Property and equipment, net | 487 | 532 | ||
| Other non-current assets | 1,344 | 1,344 | ||
| Total non-current assets | 3,909 | 3,733 | ||
| Total assets | $ 573,947 | $ 400,374 | ||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Trade and other payables | $ 17,038 | $ 23,380 | ||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 27,108 | 21,814 | ||
| Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 1,246 | 920 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 45,392 | 46,114 | ||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||
| Long-term debt | 99,514 | 99,018 | ||
| Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 772 | 865 | ||
| Pension liability | 74 | 353 | ||
| Total non-current liabilities | 100,360 | 100,236 | ||
| Total liabilities | 145,752 | 146,350 | ||
| Shareholders' equity | ||||
| Class A Ordinary Shares: | 8 | 7 | ||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,021,980 | 786,313 | ||
| Accumulated deficit | (594,423) | (532,618) | ||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 630 | 322 | ||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 428,195 | 254,024 | ||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ 573,947 | $ 400,374 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | Three Months Ended | Three Months Ended | ||
| Operating expenses | ||||
| Research and development | $ (50,221) | $ (54,515) | ||
| General and administrative | (11,439) | (15,509) | ||
| Total operating expenses | (61,660) | (70,024) | ||
| Operating loss | (61,660) | (70,024) | ||
| Interest expense | (2,632) | (2,269) | ||
| Other income, net | 2,577 | 3,208 | ||
| Loss before income tax | (61,715) | (69,085) | ||
| Income tax expense | (90) | (622) | ||
| Net loss | $ (61,805) | $ (69,707) | ||
| Net unrealized gain on marketable securities and short-term investments | 16 | 77 | ||
| Actuarial gain (loss) on employee benefit plans | 292 | (359) | ||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 308 | (282) | ||
| Comprehensive loss | $ (61,497) | $ (69,989) | ||
| Weighted-average number of Class A Ordinary Shares, basic and diluted | 73,915,296 | 71,273,650 | ||
| Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to controlling interests shareholders | $ (0.84) | $ (0.98) |
Source: 