Teva advances anti-IL-15 antibody to Phase 2b after vitiligo trial meets primary endpoint. The drug targets a different pathway than JAK inhibitors like Incyte's Opzelura.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said Tuesday it will move its anti-IL-15 antibody, TEV-56278, into a Phase 2b trial for vitiligo after the Phase 2a study hit its primary endpoint. The drug targets the IL-15 signaling pathway, which Teva believes drives the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes.
The Phase 2a data showed a statistically significant improvement in the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) at 24 weeks versus placebo, the company said. Teva did not disclose effect sizes or p-values in the release. The safety profile supported dose escalation in the next trial, according to the company.
Vitiligo affects roughly 1% of the global population. Current treatments include topical corticosteroids, JAK inhibitors such as Incyte's Opzelura, and phototherapy. Opzelura, approved in the U.S. for nonsegmental vitiligo in patients 12 and older, generated $338 million in 2024 sales.
Teva's antibody blocks the IL-15 receptor directly, a different mechanism from JAK inhibition. The company argues this could produce a more durable response with less systemic immunosuppression. The Phase 2b trial will enroll roughly 400 patients across multiple dose arms, with a primary endpoint at 24 weeks.
Teva shares rose 1.8% in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
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