Gilead Sciences' emvistegrast succeeds in mid-stage ulcerative colitis trial

Gilead Sciences has announced positive results from a mid-stage trial of its experimental once-daily pill, emvistegrast, for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The drug, an oral α4β7 integrin inhibitor, met its primary endpoint by reducing symptoms in more patients than a placebo.

In the 12-week study, 66% of patients receiving a 200 mg dose experienced symptom improvement, compared to 37% in the placebo group. Additionally, 31% of treated patients achieved clinical remission, while only 8% of the placebo group reached that milestone. The medication was reported to be generally well tolerated, with side-effect rates comparable to the placebo and no serious side effects linked to the drug.

Analysts from BMO Capital Markets described the data as a positive development for Gilead’s inflammatory disease strategy, noting that emvistegrast establishes itself as a credible oral option for this pathway. Gilead plans to initiate a late-stage monotherapy study for the pill in 2027.