Teva and Royalty Pharma Enter Agreement to Accelerate Development of Potential Treatment for Vitiligo

Core Viewpoint - Teva Pharmaceuticals and Royalty Pharma have entered into a funding agreement of up to $500 million to expedite the clinical development of Teva's anti-IL-15 antibody, TEV-'408, which shows promise in treating autoimmune conditions like vitiligo [1][2][3] Funding Agreement - Royalty Pharma will provide Teva with up to $500 million, including $75 million for a Phase 2b study set to begin in 2026, with an option for an additional $425 million based on Phase 2b results [3][8] - The agreement supports Teva's strategy to accelerate its innovative pipeline and deliver new therapies to patients more efficiently [2][8] Product Overview - TEV-'408 is an investigational human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-15 (IL-15), which plays a role in immune-mediated pathways [4][5] - The drug is currently in Phase 1b trials for vitiligo and Phase 2a trials for celiac disease, having received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA in May 2025 [5][8] Disease Context - Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disease affecting 0.5% to 2% of the global population, characterized by the loss of pigment-producing cells, leading to significant emotional and psychosocial burdens [6][7] - Current treatment options for vitiligo are limited, with only one approved topical treatment available, highlighting the need for effective systemic therapies [7][8]