Incyte on Monday said it is pausing enrolment in the ongoing Phase II trial of the MRGPRX2-targeting mast cell inhibitor, dubbed INCB000262, for chronic spontaneous urticaria after certain in vivo toxicology data raised concerns, prompting the company to consult with the FDA on the next steps for the programme.Incyte noted it has already completed enrolment in other proof-of-concept trials involving INCB000262, and data from these studies, along with the halted CSU study, will inform the therapy's future course and the development of backup molecules.Meanwhile, Incyte also revealed that results from a mid-stage study of a second MRGPRX4-directed asset, called INCB000547, do not warrant its further clinical development for cholestatic pruritus. Although specific details were not disclosed, the company confirmed the programme will not move forward.Both oral mast cell inhibitors were acquired by Incyte through its $750M takeout of Escient Pharmaceuticals earlier this year.Narrowing pipelineIncyte’s pipeline has shrunk substantially since last year, when it dropped six candidates, including one for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and five cancer therapies. The drugmaker continued its culling into 2024, halting five early-stage oncology programmes in August, including PD-L1 inhibitors INCB99280 and INCB99318, to focus on “high-impact clinical programmes.” The other three discards were LAG-3 antibody INCAGN2385 and TIM-3 antibody INCAGN2390 co-developed with Agenus, and the Merus-partnered LAG-3xPD-1 bispecific INCA32459.