Nektar Therapeutics’ Stock Soars Amid Breakthrough Eczema Drug Results
Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR), a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, has experienced a significant surge in its stock price following promising results from a mid-stage trial of its eczema drug, rezpegaldesleukin. The company’s shares soared over 120% on June 24, 2025, as investors reacted to the positive data from the Phase 2b trial.
The trial results indicated that rezpegaldesleukin achieved a 53%-61% improvement in eczema symptoms compared to a 31% improvement in the placebo group. Notably, patients receiving high doses of the drug saw an impressive 75%-90% improvement in eczema symptoms, with rapid onset of itch relief. Importantly, the drug demonstrated no major safety concerns, such as conjunctivitis or oral ulcers, which are often associated with rival treatments.
The Phase 2b study, known as REZOLVE-AD, met its primary goal by achieving statistical significance in the mean improvement of the Eczema Area and Severity Score (EASI) from baseline versus placebo at week 16. Additionally, the study met key secondary endpoints, including EASI-75, EASI-90, Itch NRS, vIGA-AD, and BSA, further underscoring the drug’s potential.
Nektar Therapeutics, listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, saw its stock price jump by 150% on the same day, reflecting the market’s optimism about the drug’s future prospects. The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $106.82 million, with a close price of $9.54 on June 22, 2025. Despite a negative price-to-earnings ratio of -0.904748, the breakthrough results have significantly boosted investor confidence.
The company is set to host an investor call and live webcast on June 24, 2025, to review the top-line data from the 16-week induction period in the ongoing global Phase 2b REZOLVE-AD clinical trial. This trial focuses on the development of rezpegaldesleukin, a regulatory T-cell proliferator, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
As Nektar Therapeutics continues to advance its investigational drugs in oncology, immunology, and virology, the successful trial results for rezpegaldesleukin mark a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its portfolio of approved partnered medicines. The rapid onset of symptom improvement and the absence of major safety concerns position rezpegaldesleukin as a promising candidate in the competitive eczema treatment landscape.