Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today announced positive topline results from an ongoing Phase 2a study of TEV ‘408, an investigational anti-interleukin-15 monoclonal antibody, in adults with celiac disease. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful prevention of gluten-induced intestinal damage versus placebo at week 8. TEV ‘408 was well-tolerated, with no safety signals observed to date.

The ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolled 50 adult participants with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet (GFD) with minimal intestinal damage at baseline as measured by the villous height-to-crypt depth ratio (Vh:Cd ≥2.0) and symptoms. Two weeks after receiving a single dose of TEV ‘408, participants began a six-week daily gluten challenge (GC). The study assessed biopsy-based measures of intestinal damage and inflammation along with patient-reported symptoms. At week 8 (the end of the GC) TEV ‘408:

  • Showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful prevention of gluten-induced intestinal damage versus placebo, as measured by the trial’s primary endpoint of Vh:Cd ratio with a least squares (LS) mean change from baseline of -0.43 compared with -0.88 for placebo (treatment difference of 0.45, 95% CI: (0.06, 0.84), p<0.05).
  • Showed a favorable effect on intestinal inflammation as measured by density of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) compared with placebo; the LS Mean change from baseline in the density of IELs, was an increase of 27.60 for placebo compared to 0.37 for TEV ‘408 treated participants (treatment difference of -27.23, 95% CI: (-39.67, -14.79)).
  • Demonstrated lower GI symptom scores versus placebo, as assessed using the Celiac Disease Symptom Diary (CDSD), a patient-reported outcome (PRO).
  • Was well-tolerated with no emerging safety signals.
     

Additional analyses from the ongoing Phase 2a study are underway. Teva plans to present further data from the study at a future scientific meeting.