Grounded in Science. Driven by the Needs of Patients.
At Escient, we are driven by and passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of patients. Through cutting edge science, we strive to discover and develop novel, life-changing medicines. We are committed to advancing innovative solutions for some of the most challenging, underserved disorders worldwide, where current treatments are either insufficient or nonexistent. Our initial focus is on developing therapeutic candidates to treat chronic urticaria and cholestatic pruritis.
Chronic Urticaria
Chronic urticaria, defined as urticaria persisting for more than 6 weeks, manifests with very itchy hives that may vary in size and can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life by interfering with sleep and daily activities. Some patients with chronic urticaria may also develop swelling deeper under the skin or in other tissues (angioedema). There are two main forms of chronic urticaria. In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), hives occur spontaneously, without known triggers. In chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), hives are induced by specific triggers such as cold exposure (cold urticaria) or touch (symptomatic dermographism), among others.
Clinical trials
CALM-CIndU Study (EP-262-102): Escient is conducting the CALM-CIndU study, a Phase 1b open-label clinical study to evaluate the effects of EP262 in patients with chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU).
CALM-CSU Study (EP-262-201): Escient is conducting the CALM-CSU study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the effects of EP262 in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
Patient Resources
The following resources can provide more information about chronic urticaria:
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
- Allergy & Asthma Network
- UCARE
- Allergy UK
Cholestatic Pruritus
Cholestatic pruritus is a common, often unrelenting and debilitating condition characterized by very itchy skin in patients with cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This form of pruritus is often not relieved by scratching and not responsive to currently available medications, which are largely non-specific and associated with significant side effects.
Clinical Trials
PACIFIC Study (EP-547-201): Escient is conducting the PACIFIC study, a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the effects of EP547 in patients with cholestatic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Patient Resources
The following resources can provide more information about cholestatic pruritus:
- American Liver Foundation
- Canadian PBC Society
- Global Liver Institute
- PBCers.org
- PBC Foundation
- PSC Partners Seeking a Cure
- PSC Support
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormalities in immune regulation and skin barrier function. The disease typically manifests with itchy eczematous skin lesions. Thickening, crusting and cracking of the skin may also develop over time. Hypersensitivity to various allergens and skin colonization by certain bacteria are present in many patients and are among the causative or exacerbating factors thought to contribute to the disease.
Clinical trials
EASE Study (EP-262-202): Escient is conducting the EASE study, a Phase 2a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the effects of EP262 in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Patient Resources
The following resources can provide more information about atopic dermatitis:
Please Note: The information and links are meant for informational purposes and are not meant to replace a physician’s medical advice. Your physician is the best person to guide your treatment and care.