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Janssen partners with Theravance to develop new IBD drug candidate
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The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced a collaboration with Theravance Biopharma to develop a new pan-Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Under the agreement, Theravance will complete a phase 2 study of TD-1473 in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and a phase 2b/3 induction and maintenance study in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
“Adding TD-1473 to the Janssen Immunology portfolio reinforces our commitment to transforming patient outcomes with the potential to offer a first-in-class oral, local acting [pan-Janus kinase (pan-JAK)] inhibitor with broad use across GI-related inflammatory disease,” Scott E. Plevy, MD, vice president, disease area leader, inflammatory bowel disease, for Janssen Research & Development, said in a press release. “We look forward to advancing this promising, oral, drug candidate through clinical development as we continue to address the significant unmet needs of people living with [CD] and UC around the world.”
TD-1473 is an oral, local acting GI restricted pan-JAK inhibitor specifically designed to act at the inflammation site and limit systemic exposure. Researchers have previously tested the drug in a phase 1 study, according to the press release.
Once data are available from the two upcoming studies, Janssen will have the option to enter into an exclusive license arrangement for the program and will take the lead in developing TD-1473 in CD. Theravance will continue to develop the drug candidate in UC through the end of the phase 2b/3 study, according to the press release.
Theravance has the option to co-commercialize TD-1473 in the United States if the drug is brought to market, while Janssen would have sole commercialization right outside of the U.S.
Theravance will receive an undisclosed, upfront payment as part of the deal and could receive additional compensation if Janssen agrees to stay on following the end of the two studies, according to the press release.
Disclosures: Plevy is employed by Janssen.