Forte Biosciences Jumps on Positive Trial Data for Vitiligo Drug

Forte Biosciences shares jumped Thursday after the company reported positive early-stage trial results for its lead asset FB102 in vitiligo. The drug, an antibody targeting IL-15, led to improvements in skin repigmentation, the company said.

The study was a Phase 1/2 trial designed to assess safety and efficacy. Forte said FB102 met its primary endpoints and showed a safety profile that supports continued development.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes depigmented patches on the skin. Current treatment options are limited. Topical corticosteroids and the JAK inhibitor Opzelura, approved in 2022, are among the few available therapies. FB102 is being developed as an injectable therapy that could target the underlying immune mechanism more broadly, offering a potential systemic option for patients with extensive disease.

The positive readout moves Forte into a field with growing commercial interest. Analysts estimate the market for vitiligo treatments could exceed $5 billion annually.

Shares of Forte rose sharply in above-average volume. The company said it plans to present the full dataset at an upcoming medical conference.