June 24 (Reuters) - Nektar Therapeutics ( NKTR ) said on

Tuesday its experimental eczema drug had met the main goal of a

mid-stage study.

In the 393-patient trial, drug candidate rezpegaldesleukin

showed a reduction in the severity of eczema measured with a

widely used index.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic

skin condition that causes inflammation, redness and intense

itching.

Shares of the company were halted in premarket trading ahead

of the trial data.