🚀 Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) Explodes 120%+ After Mid-Stage Eczema Drug Trial Smashes Expectations

Biotech just got its adrenaline shot. Nektar Therapeutics' stock went full meme-mode—soaring over 120%—after its experimental eczema treatment aced mid-stage trials. Wall Street's already sharpening its pencils to revise price targets.

### The Skinny on the Breakthrough

No fluff, just facts: NKTR's drug candidate posted results juicy enough to make Big Pharma execs sweat into their bespoke suits. The mid-stage data hit all the right endpoints—itching reduction, lesion clearance, the works.

### Shorts Got Steamrolled

Bears betting against this biotech play got vaporized faster than a shitcoin in a bear market. The 120% single-day surge triggered margin calls so brutal they'd make a crypto leverage trader wince.

### The Cynical Take

Let's be real—this volatility screams 'buy the rumor, sell the news.' Remember when Moderna mooned 400% during COVID? Exactly. Enjoy the ride, but maybe keep one hand on the eject button.

TLDR

• Nektar stock surged over 120% after strong Phase 2b trial results for eczema drug.

• Rezpegaldesleukin achieved 53%-61% symptom improvement in patients versus 31% for placebo.

• High-dose patients saw 75%-90% eczema improvement; itch relief showed rapid onset.

• Drug showed no major safety concerns seen in rival treatments like conjunctivitis or oral ulcers.

• Phase 2b data for alopecia areata expected Q4 2025; long-term study results due Q1 2026.

Shares of Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) skyrocketed over 120% during Tuesday’s trading session after the company announced positive results from its midstage trial of rezpegaldesleukin for moderate-to-severe eczema.

Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR)

The Phase 2b REZOLVE-AD study, involving 393 patients, showed that all dosage levels of the drug met primary and key secondary endpoints, spurring confidence in Nektar’s development pipeline.

Patients receiving three subcutaneous doses over 16 weeks achieved an improvement of 53% to 61% in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), compared to a 31% improvement in the placebo group. The results were termed as representing “a new biology” by Nektar’s CEO Howard Robin, signaling the potential of regulatory T cell (Treg) proliferators in treating autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions.

Nektar Therapeutics Stock Doubles After Promising Eczema Drug Trial Results! $NKTR #biotech #eczema #dermatology #ClinicalTrial https://t.co/LcqDmIoD5R pic.twitter.com/b2OdwS2HVK

— AlphaBronze (@Alpha_Bronze) June 24, 2025

Impressive Efficacy Across Multiple Measures

A notable portion of patients saw dramatic improvements: between 34% and 46% achieved EASI-75, indicating at least a 75% reduction in disease severity. Approximately 25% of patients in the high-dose group experienced a 90% reduction in symptoms. The treatment also showed a rapid onset of action, offering itch relief within the first few doses—a critical consideration for patients and physicians alike.

High and mid doses significantly reduced itchiness, and the therapy demonstrated improvements in both body surface area affected and overall skin clearance, surpassing multiple secondary endpoints.

Strong Safety Profile Compared to Rivals

Safety results were favorable. The most common side effect was injection site reactions, observed in 69.7% of patients. Unlike competing treatments, Nektar’s drug did not raise the risk of conjunctivitis, oral ulcers, or infections. These safety advantages may offer a competitive edge in the market for eczema treatments.

Nektar intends to continue the long-term maintenance study, with data anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The drug is also undergoing testing for severe alopecia areata, with Phase 2b results expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Broader Potential Beyond Eczema

CEO Howard Robin emphasized the broader potential of rezpegaldesleukin for treating other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The study’s success has drawn attention to the company’s focus on Treg-targeted therapies, a promising area in immunology research.

The exceptional midstage results and lack of serious adverse events could position Nektar as a leader in the evolving field of autoimmune disease therapeutics.