Roche and Chugai Partner for RG6631 Development in Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Chugai Pharmaceutical have inked a licence agreement for RG6631, an anti-TL1A antibody under development for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Roche will get milestone payments and an upfront compensation, while Chugai will have the only right to develop and commercialise RG6631 in Japan. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are incurable illnesses that have remissions and relapses that need for prolonged hospital stays and a higher risk of colon cancer. Chugai intends to collaborate closely with Roche to expedite the release of RG6631 to patients. Anticipated to exhibit remarkable effectiveness in mitigating inflammation and fibrosis, RG6631 holds promise for use in several other medical conditions.

Patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who received therapy with RG6631 experienced enhanced clinical remission, according to a worldwide phase IIb research. While the phase II trial for moderate to severe Crohn's disease is still underway, Roche intends to start a phase III investigation by the end of 2024.