Investing.com — Shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:) surged 17% following the announcement of successful Phase 2b study results for its investigational drug duvakitug, which is being developed to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study, conducted in collaboration with Sanofi (NASDAQ:), met its primary endpoints in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), offering hope for a new treatment option in a field with high unmet medical needs.
The RELIEVE UCCD study showed that a significant portion of patients with UC and CD treated with duvakitug achieved clinical remission or endoscopic response at week 14 compared to those on placebo. The stock movement reflects investor optimism on the drug’s potential market impact, as the treatment effect was consistent across subgroups. Teva’s shares jumped 17% in response to the news.
Eric Hughes, MD, PhD, Head of Global R&D and Chief Medical (TASE:) Officer at Teva, expressed confidence in the study’s results and the potential benefits for patients living with IBD. Houman Ashrafian, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D at Sanofi, also highlighted the potential of duvakitug to become a differentiated medicine for IBD patients. Both companies praised the collaborative efforts in advancing the drug’s development.
Duvakitug was generally well tolerated, with no significant safety concerns identified. The rates of treatment emergent adverse events were similar between the drug and placebo groups, with all reported adverse events being less than 5%. This safety profile, combined with the efficacy data, positions Teva and Sanofi to move forward with the next phase of clinical development.
While the efficacy and safety of duvakitug have not yet been evaluated by any regulatory authority, the positive Phase 2b results have set the stage for further clinical trials. Detailed results from the study are expected to be presented at a scientific forum in 2025, offering a clearer picture of the drug’s potential impact on the market and patient care.
Investors will be closely watching the progress of duvakitug as Teva and Sanofi continue their collaboration, with the aim of addressing the urgent need for new treatment options for those affected by ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
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