- Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA, Financial) and Biolojic Design initiate IND-enabling studies for BD9, a dual-specific multibody.
- BD9 targets TSLP and IL-13, aiming to treat TH2-driven inflammatory conditions like atopic dermatitis and asthma.
- Teva holds worldwide development rights, while Biolojic stands to earn milestone payments based on various achievements.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) and Biolojic Design have commenced IND-enabling studies for BD9, an innovative dual-specific multibody. This novel therapy targets TSLP and IL-13, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for TH2-driven inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma, where current treatments often fall short.
BD9 was developed using Biolojic's Multibody Platform, a technology that allows a single antibody to address multiple disease targets. This approach could provide more comprehensive inhibition of inflammatory pathways compared to traditional therapies that typically target only one pathway.
This development aligns with Teva's "Pivot to Growth" strategy, which seeks to strengthen their innovation pipeline. Teva has secured exclusive worldwide development rights for BD9, while Biolojic is poised to receive milestone payments based on the attainment of pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones.
The start of IND-enabling studies represents a key milestone for BD9, potentially setting the stage for clinical trials within the next 12-18 months, pending favorable safety and toxicology data. The targeted market is significant, with around 16.5 million adults in the US affected by atopic dermatitis and over 25 million Americans living with asthma. Current biologics for these conditions, such as dupilumab, generate substantial revenue, underscoring the commercial opportunity for BD9.
Yanay Ofran, PhD, CEO and founder of Biolojic Design, emphasized the precision and advantages of their antibody platform, adding that this development presents a promising advancement toward innovative therapies. Eric Hughes, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President at Teva, remarked on the milestone as a crucial step in delivering novel treatments to patients with unmet medical needs.
As the partnership progresses, this initiative exemplifies Teva's dedication to advancing transformative therapies, potentially expanding access to effective treatments for underserved populations. Both companies are managing developmental risks through milestone-based economics, reflecting a strategic approach to this promising therapeutic avenue.
