Everything we know about new eczema treatment developed at Trinity College

Eczema is a skin condition affecting thousands of children and adults across Ireland and sees skin becoming inflamed, itchy and dry.

There are around 200 million people suffering from this condition across the globe and while medication can keep symptoms at bay, there is currently no cure available.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast over the weekend, Professor O'Neill said the new treatment, which is called SYX-5219, is already showing benefits among patients.

“It's a Trinity story because my lab initiated this project,” he explained. 

“Some of the trial was done in James's hospital, so, it's an Irish story as well as a story to do with Sitryx. 

“So, I'm very excited about it.”

Professor Luke O’Neill went on to explain that Sitryx Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company that he co-founded, was delighted with the results of the clinical trial. 

“Our drug is anti-inflammatory; it turns off a specific part of the inflammatory process,” he explained. 

“A postdoc in my lab, Eva Palsson, let's give Eva credit, it was her project on this thing called PKM2 is the jargon, which she's worked on this. 

“Next thing Sitryx saw this.” 

Professor O'Neill went on to say part of the excitement with this treatment is the serious need for it globally.

“This disease is a massive burden on health care systems, of course, kids having rashes and creams and all sorts.

“There's a big need for a new treatment, basically.

“So, if it did make it, it would be very lucrative for a drug. Our company, Sitryx, will take it further now.”

Professor O’Neill said it will likely take "a little bit longer" before the treatment becomes available commercially, predicting a year or two to finalise its suitability for patients.