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Roivant Cuts Multiple R&D Programs As It Takes On Pfizer’s TYK2/JAK1 Inhibitor

Sickle Cell, Dermatology And Cancer Drugs Among Discontinued Assets

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Roivant and Pfizer launched Priovant to develop the oral drug brepocitinib for dermatomyositis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, but Roivant also cut programs to extend its cash runway.

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Roivant swapped out multiple programs to conserve cash and bring in a late-stage Pfizer asset • Source: Shutterstock

Roivant Sciences Ltd. and Pfizer Inc. officially launched Priovant Therapeutics on 28 June to develop Pfizer’s TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor brepocitinib, but the companies had been working together since September 2021 on plans for advancing the oral drug, initially for the treatment of dermatomyositis and system lupus erythematosus (SLE) and eventually for additional autoimmune diseases with high morbidity and mortality and limited treatment options.

Roivant CEO Matt Gline described the agreement with Pfizer as “a capital-efficient deal for us” during the company’s same-day call with investors to discuss the transaction and to review Roivant’s financial results for the fiscal year ended 31 March. However, while it paid Pfizer just $10m up front, Roivant also cut several of its existing drug development programs to make its $2

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