AbbVie enters TL1A race with $150M deal with FutureGen

AbbVie has entered the race among major pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments targeting the TL1A protein, entering into a significant agreement with China’s FutureGen Biopharmaceutical. The American drug giant is investing $150 million upfront for a preclinical candidate designed to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This initiative may further involve up to $1.56 billion, contingent on achieving various clinical development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.

Interest in TL1A-targeted therapies has surged following promising midphase clinical data from companies like Roivant and Prometheus. Their findings indicated that targeting TL1A could potentially improve outcomes in conditions such as ulcerative colitis. This discovery has sparked a wave of deals, including Roche's $7 billion acquisition of Telavant from Roivant and Pfizer, which was working on a phase 3-ready asset known as RVT-3101.

By licensing the antibody FG-M701 from FutureGen, AbbVie is positioning itself with what it calls a “next-generation” TL1A antibody. According to AbbVie, FG-M701 is engineered to outperform first-generation TL1A antibodies by offering greater efficacy and requiring less frequent dosing as a treatment for IBD.

The payment to FutureGen comprises $150 million in immediate and near-term milestone payments, with the possibility of an additional $1.56 billion based on future clinical, regulatory, and commercial achievements. On top of these payments, FutureGen stands to earn tiered royalties that could reach low-double digits on net sales.

Scientific evidence suggests that TL1A influences inflammation and fibrosis, making it a promising target for treating IBD. While Roche’s RVT-3101 is advancing to phase 3 trials for IBD, other major pharmaceutical companies are exploring the potential of TL1A-targeted therapies for Crohn’s disease and other related conditions.

Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., AbbVie’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Discovery Research, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing the standard of care for patients with autoimmune diseases. “The prevalence of IBD continues to increase, and many people living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease do not respond to current therapies,” Sedgwick said. AbbVie aims to develop transformative treatments that help more patients achieve remission.

AbbVie’s venture into the TL1A space is part of a broader trend among Big Pharma companies. Last year, Roche's acquisition of Telavant, Merck's $11 billion purchase of Prometheus, and Sanofi's $500 million collaboration with Teva to co-develop a TL1A candidate underscore the fierce competition and high stakes involved in this area of research.

As the field of TL1A-targeted therapies continues to evolve, AbbVie’s strategic partnership with FutureGen represents a significant step in the quest to offer better therapeutic options for individuals suffering from IBD and potentially other autoimmune conditions. The success of these endeavors could lead to groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, offering hope to many patients worldwide.