Chugai in-licenses anti-TL1A antibody RG6631 from Roche

Chugai (TYO: 4519) has concluded a new license agreement with Swiss pharma giant Roche (ROG: SIX), which owns around 62% of the Japanese drugmaker .

Chugai will gain rights to develop RG6631, the anti-TL1A antibody, currently in development for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in Japan. In return, Roche will receive an undisclosed upfront fee and milestone payments.

“Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are intractable conditions characterized by cycles of remission and relapse. The recurring symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain often restrict daily life, requiring long-term hospital visits, and the risk of developing colon cancer increases as the disease progresses1. In addition, treatment methods to maintain remission have not been sufficiently established, and there remains a significant unmet need. Chugai will work closely with Roche to bring RG6631 to patients with Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease as soon as possible,” said Chugai’s president and chief executive, Dr Osamu Okuda.