Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Blackstone Life Sciences (BXLS), a private life sciences investment company, announced a $400 million strategic funding agreement on March 3rd, 2026. Spread across the next four years, the funding agreement will support the continued clinical development of duvakitug, a monoclonal antibody Teva is developing as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), two of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to a company press release, BXLS will be eligible for regulatory and commercial milestone payments concerning duvakitug, as well as low single-digit royalties on worldwide product sales.
Duvakitug is a human monoclonal antibody designed to target TL1A, which investigators believe may play a role in amplifying inflammation and driving fibrosis associated with IBD. Phase IIb data evaluating duvakitug in UC and CD demonstrated clinically meaningful durable efficacy, according to the release, and the candidate is now being evaluated in a Phase III clinical trial. Teva is co-developing and co-commercializing duvakitug with Sanofi as part of a separate development agreement.
“Today’s announcement highlights how we are turning strategy into action under Pivot to Growth,” said Evan Lippman, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Teva, in the release. “By pursuing disciplined, capital-efficient partnerships, we are accelerating pipeline advancement while maintaining financial strength. This is the model we will continue using to build a more innovative, resilient, and growth-oriented Teva.”
“We are excited to partner with Teva and support their innovation priorities as they advance a critical new product to patients who have significant unmet need,” said Dr. Nicholas Galakatos, Global Head, Blackstone Life Sciences, in the release. “This transaction further demonstrates our focus on partnering with leading biopharmaceutical companies to execute their growth initiatives.”
“Duvakitug has the potential to be a best-in-class therapy in a large and growing space, and the Teva and Sanofi teams are well positioned to develop and commercialize this important medicine,” said Paris Panayiotopoulos, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Life Sciences, in the release. “In line with our mission, we are delighted to partner with Teva on their Pivot to Growth strategy and to help bring duvakitug to patients as soon as possible.”
