Takeda begins vedolizumab phase III trials

Takeda has announced the initiation of phase III trials on vedolizumab.

Designed as a treatment for sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the investigational compound will be examined for use as a therapy for ulcertative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

The two placebo-controlled, blinded and randomised tests will involve the drug administered as an intravenous infusion in 2,000 patients from over 40 countries.

Each trial is set to see a six-week induction phase take place, with maintenance therapy lasting for 46 weeks thereafter.

Professor of medicine at the University of western Ontario, Canada Brian Feagan said the tests were an “exciting milestone”.

He added: “This treatment has great potential to improve the lives of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.”

Last month, Takeda announced it had started phase III clinical studies of a treatment for obesity and related diseases.

Named ATL-962, the agent was discovered and created by Alizyme and reduces the digestion process in the body.