Teva and Sanofi Report Positive Duvakitug Trial Data
The investigational drug maintained high remission rates for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Teva and Sanofi have released positive Phase 2b clinical trial data for their investigational drug duvakitug. Findings from the RELIEVE UCCD study were presented on October 20, 2026, at the United European Gastroenterology Week 2026 in Barcelona.
Why it matters
Duvakitug is designed to target the TL1A protein to reduce inflammation and potential fibrosis in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. The results suggest the drug could offer a new therapeutic pathway for patients who have not responded to existing options.
The study tracked 130 patients, including 72 with ulcerative colitis and 58 with Crohn's disease, receiving subcutaneous doses of 450 mg or 900 mg of duvakitug. Researchers observed discontinuation rates due to adverse events of 4 percent and 2 percent for colitis patients, and 6 percent for Crohn's disease.
The players
Teva
Teva is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Israel that specializes in developing generic and specialty medicines.
Sanofi
Sanofi is a multinational healthcare corporation based in France that focuses on immunology and various therapeutic treatments.
The details
Participants who showed response in a 14-week induction study continued onto the 44-week maintenance trial to evaluate efficacy via the modified Mayo Score and the Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Teva and Sanofi are now progressing with Phase 3 studies and planning a separate Phase 2 trial focused on fibrostenotic Crohn's disease.
Timeline
A 14-week induction study served as the initial period for determining responder patients.
The maintenance treatment evaluation reached its endpoint at Week 44.
Data were presented on October 20, 2026, at UEG Week 2026.
The Big Picture
This research contributes to the burgeoning field of TL1A-targeted therapies, which represents a potential paradigm shift in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. By focusing on this protein, researchers are attempting to bridge the gap between simple inflammation suppression and the prevention of long-term tissue fibrosis.
While this drug is not yet available to the public, the positive trial results offer a potential future treatment option for those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions. Patients should monitor further Phase 3 trial updates to see if this therapy may eventually integrate into their long-term health management plans.
The takeaway
Advancements in targeted protein therapy continue to show promise for complex gastrointestinal disorders that previously lacked effective management options. Patients are encouraged to discuss emerging clinical trial options with their healthcare providers to determine potential eligibility for future studies.
What happens next
Teva and Sanofi are currently conducting phase 3 studies for duvakitug in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and they are planning a future phase 2 study of the drug specifically for fibrostenotic Crohn's disease.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment landscapes, visit our Diseases — General section.
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