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Ventyx’s NLRP3 Drug Cuts Inflammation Markers in Phase 2, Shares Soar

Strong biomarker reductions have investors eyeing a cardiovascular push for the oral NLRP3 candidate.

Overview

  • In a 175-participant trial, VTX3232 reduced hsCRP by 64%–78% at 12 weeks versus a 3% rise on placebo, with 69% of patients reaching hsCRP below 2 mg/L.
  • The study met its primary endpoint, with safety and tolerability comparable to placebo and similar rates of treatment-emergent adverse events.
  • VTX3232 did not boost weight loss as monotherapy or when added to semaglutide, separating its anti-inflammatory effect from obesity outcomes.
  • The drug lowered additional risk markers including IL-6, lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and signs of liver inflammation; add-on use showed deeper biomarker drops than semaglutide alone.
  • Shares jumped roughly 86% after-hours and approached a near-doubling in early trading as the company flagged future updates on development plans and analysts highlighted partnering potential in cardiovascular disease.