EADV 2026 Update: Tulisokibart Shows Promise in Phase 2b Hidradenitis Suppurativa Trial

At the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, researchers presented late-breaking Phase 2b trial results for tulisokibart (MK-7240), an investigational treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).

Here is what the latest clinical evidence shows, what it means for the HS community, and where the drug currently stands in development.

What is tulisokibart and how does it work?

Tulisokibart is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to block a protein called TL1A (tumor necrosis factor–like ligand 1A).

In HS, inflammation triggers painful nodules, abscesses, and chronic tissue scarring (tunnels). TL1A plays a key role in driving both inflammatory cascades and tissue fibrosis. By targeting TL1A, scientists hope to interrupt this "immuno-fibrotic" loop, offering a completely different biologic pathway than existing anti-TNF or anti-IL-17 treatments.

Important note: Tulisokibart is an investigational drug. It is not yet approved by the U.S. FDA or international health authorities and is not currently available for prescription.

Key Phase 2b trial results (MK-7240-012)

The Phase 2b trial evaluated 149 adults with moderate-to-severe HS over 16 weeks, comparing three different doses of tulisokibart to a placebo.

1. Reduction in inflammatory lesions (HiSCR50)

The main goal of the trial was achieving HiSCR50 at Week 16, which requires at least a 50% reduction in abscesses and inflammatory nodules, without any increase in abscesses or draining tunnels.

• High-dose group (480 mg every 2 weeks): 72% achieved HiSCR50 (a 37 percentage-point increase over placebo).
• Medium-dose group (480 mg every 4 weeks): 64% achieved HiSCR50 (a 29 percentage-point increase over placebo).
• Placebo group: 35% achieved HiSCR50.

2. Higher standard of skin clearance (HiSCR75)

• 41% of patients in the high-dose group and 40% in the medium-dose group achieved a 75% or greater reduction in inflammatory lesions (HiSCR75), compared to 15% in the placebo group.

3. Quality of life and safety

• Patients receiving higher doses experienced meaningful average improvements on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scale.
• Safety: Side effects were generally similar across groups (roughly 43% to 52% in treatment groups vs. 41% in placebo). Serious adverse events were infrequent, and no serious or opportunistic infections were reported during the 16-week study period.

What comes next?

While these 16-week Phase 2b results are encouraging, larger and longer Phase 3 clinical trials are still required to confirm whether tulisokibart is safe and effective over the long term. Phase 3 studies will also evaluate whether blocking TL1A can directly slow or prevent long-term tissue scarring and tunnel formation.

If you are living with moderate-to-severe HS and struggling to find relief with current treatments, speak with your dermatologist about current management strategies or potential eligibility for upcoming clinical trials.

Disclosure

I have no financial interest or conflict of interest related to this medication or its manufacturer, and I received no payment for writing this post.