Theravance takes a gut punch as J&J-partnered JAK drug flops key test in ulcerative colitis
When J&J signed a $100 million check away to biotech Theravance back in 2018, the drug giant saw some promise in the company’s lead “pan-JAK” drug in inflammatory bowel disease. A key trial checkpoint for that is now officially a dud — and the J&J deal may be dead in the water as well.
Theravance’s izencitinib, a “gut-selective” JAK inhibitor developed for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, failed a key Phase II test, giving the company no choice but to slice R&D costs on that program and send investors running for the hills. A planned Phase III study in UC also won’t be happening, executives confirmed on a Monday call with analysts.
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