Turn Therapeutics Announces Peer-Reviewed Publication in Journal of Dermatological Treatment Highlighting GX-03 Activity in IL-36 Associated Inflammatory Model

Key Terms

il-36 medical

Interleukin‑36 (IL‑36) is a small signaling protein made by some cells that acts like a fire alarm for the immune system, alerting and coordinating nearby cells to produce inflammation. Investors watch IL‑36 because drugs that block or mimic its signal can change how the body responds to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; success or failure in developing such therapies can materially affect the value of biotech companies focused on those conditions.

cytokine medical

Small proteins produced by cells that act as chemical messengers to coordinate immune and inflammatory responses, like text messages or traffic signals telling cells when to activate, calm down, or move. Investors care because cytokines are common drug targets and biomarkers; changes in cytokine activity can determine a therapy’s effectiveness, safety, regulatory approval, and market potential, so trial results or safety signals tied to cytokines often drive stock moves.

staphylococcus aureus medical

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can live harmlessly on skin or in the nose but can also cause infections ranging from minor skin problems to serious bloodstream or surgical-wound infections. For investors, it matters because outbreaks, drug-resistant strains, or infections linked to medical devices can drive healthcare spending, shape demand for antibiotics and diagnostics, trigger product recalls or regulatory action, and affect the revenue and risk profiles of health-related companies.

murine medical

Murine describes studies, cells, or models that involve mice or rats—laboratory rodents used to test drugs, vaccines, or biological effects. For investors, murine results indicate early, preclinical evidence that can suggest a therapy's potential but often do not predict human outcomes; treat such findings as preliminary signals with higher uncertainty, like a trial on a scale model rather than the finished product.

atopic dermatitis medical

A chronic inflammatory skin condition, often called eczema, that causes dry, itchy, red patches and recurring flare-ups; think of it as a persistent rash that can come and go over a person’s life. It matters to investors because its chronic nature and large patient population create steady demand for treatments, influence drug development and approval decisions, affect healthcare costs and reimbursement, and can drive revenue and valuation shifts for companies working on therapies and diagnostics.

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• Study demonstrates statistically significant reduction in disease severity in a murine dermatitis model characterized by IL-36 expression
• First in a planned series of peer-reviewed publications exploring the scientific rationale and non-systemic mechanism underlying GX-03, currently in Phase 2 evaluation for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Turn Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: TTRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing localized therapies for inflammatory and infectious skin diseases, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed research article in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment evaluating the effects of its lead program, GX-03, in an IL-36–associated inflammatory environment.

The publication, titled “Effects of extended-release topical polyhexanide in a Staphylococcus aureus-induced murine dermatitis model characterized by IL-36 expression,” was co-authored by Bradley Burnam, Chief Executive Officer of Turn Therapeutics, and Stephen Bresnick, M.D., a practicing physician, researcher, and advisor to the Company.

“This publication demonstrates a shift in how inflammatory skin disease should be studied. Rather than inferring biology from systemic markers, we evaluated GX-03 directly within an IL-36–associated inflammatory environment and observed a clear clinical effect following seven days of twice-daily treatment,” said Bradley Burnam, Chief Executive Officer of Turn Therapeutics. “This is about building a more precise understanding of what is driving inflammation in the skin, at the site of disease. We’re helping define a framework for evaluating targeted, localized therapies in dermatology.”

Study Highlights

• GX-03 was evaluated in a Staphylococcus aureus-induced murine dermatitis model characterized by IL-36 expression
• IL-36 protein expression was confirmed following Staphylococcus aureus exposure, establishing the inflammatory environment in which GX-03 was evaluated
• Mice treated twice daily with GX-03 for seven days achieved a mean investigator global assessment score of 1.44 versus 3.00 in untreated controls (p = 0.0003)
• No treatment-related adverse effects were observed

IL-36 is a cytokine associated with epithelial stress and is minimally expressed in healthy skin but becomes upregulated in response to microbial dysbiosis and barrier disruption. The study confirmed reproducible IL-36 expression following Staphylococcus aureus exposure, establishing a relevant inflammatory context in which GX-03 demonstrated clinical activity. This publication supports the Company’s broader approach of targeting disease at the site of origin.

The article represents the first in a planned series of scientific publications evaluating GX-03’s clinical and biological activity, with a subsequent manuscript already in review characterizing the mechanistic implications of treatment.

About GX-03

GX-03 is a first-in-class, non-systemic, topical cytokine-modulating therapy in development for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). By stabilizing the cutaneous microenvironment and modulating epithelial danger sensing, GX-03 is designed to address IL-36, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 signaling through upstream prevention rather than downstream, systemic suppression. GX-03 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial.

About Turn Therapeutics

Turn Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative, precision therapies that target the underlying causes of inflammatory diseases with high unmet needs. Its lead investigational therapy, GX-03, is a first-in-class, non-systemic topical inhibitor currently in development for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. This therapy is designed to modulate key inflammatory pathways involved in eczema and other inflammatory dermatological conditions, specifically targeting IL-36 and IL-31, two cytokines that play distinct but interconnected roles in driving chronic skin inflammation and the itch-scratch cycle. GX-03 addresses IL-36 upstream, where epithelial stress and barrier disruption initiate the inflammatory cascade, and IL-31 downstream, where itch signaling perpetuates disease.

Citation

Burnam B, Bresnick S. Effects of Extended-Release Topical Polyhexanide in a Staphylococcus aureus–Induced Murine Dermatitis Model Characterized by IL-36 Expression. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2026. Article ID: IJDT 2667686. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2026.2667686

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “suggest,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Turn’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including risks related to the success of development programs, and the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plan. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Turn Therapeutics in general, see the risk disclosures in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Turn undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Source: Turn Therapeutics Inc.