Janssen has announced a new drug research partnership with Theravance Biopharma that will focus on the development of a promising new bowel disease therapy.

The companies will be partnering to further the development of TD-1473, a first-in-class oral, gastrointestinal restricted pan-Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

“Janssen is partnering with Theravance Biopharma on the development of a promising new therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.“

Under the terms of the agreement, Theravance Biopharma will complete a phase II study of the drug in Crohn's disease and a phase IIb/III induction and maintenance study in ulcerative colitis, both of which are planned to start in 2018.

After this point, Janssen may elect to enter into an exclusive licence arrangement for the programme, after which it would take the lead on the subsequent development of the drug, with Theravance Biopharma retaining an option to co-commercialise the therapy in the US.

Dr Scott Plevy, vice-president and disease area leader for inflammatory bowel disease at Janssen Research and Development, said: "We look forward to advancing this promising, oral, drug candidate through clinical development as we continue to address the significant unmet needs of people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis around the world."

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