Roivant Sciences revealed on Tuesday the success of its experimental medication, brepocitinib, in alleviating symptoms of non-infectious uveitis, an inflammatory condition of the eye, during a mid-stage trial. This news saw an 8% surge in the biotech company’s shares during premarket trading.
Out of the 26 patients participating in the study, a notable reduction in treatment failure was observed, particularly among those administered higher doses of 45 milligrams (mg) and 15 mg. Brepocitinib demonstrated effectiveness in reducing macular edema, a type of eye swelling, in certain patients who received the higher dosage.
The drug targets and inhibits TYK2 and JAK1 proteins, pivotal in immune responses, thus addressing the root cause of the disease, which could otherwise lead to severe vision impairment and blindness.
With AbbVie’s Humira being the only approved therapy targeting non-infectious uveitis, brepocitinib presents a promising alternative, especially after Humira lost significant patents in the United States in 2023. Analyst David Risinger from Leerink noted the potential of brepocitinib as the first oral therapy for this condition, which would greatly benefit Priovant Therapeutics, a Roivant and Pfizer joint venture holding global development rights for oral and topical forms of the drug.
Roivant plans to advance brepocitinib into late-stage trials later this year while simultaneously exploring its efficacy in treating dermatomyositis, a muscle inflammatory condition.
Additionally, Roivant’s board approved a stock repurchase program worth up to $1.5 billion, including a $648 million buyback from Sumitomo Pharma, signaling confidence in the company’s future endeavors.
