MSD has initiated three Phase IIb trials evaluating TL1A-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) tulisokibart in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), enrolling over 640 patients globally. The humanised antibody binds soluble and membrane-bound TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A), implicated in intestinal inflammation and fibrosis pathways. MSD vice president Aileen Pangan highlighted this expansion reflects commitment to addressing immune-mediated inflammatory disease burden across rheumatology and dermatology indications.

Tulisokibart's clinical programme now spans six disease areas including ongoing Phase III trials in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) through ATLAS-UC and ARES-CD studies plus Phase II investigation in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The TL1A pathway represents a novel mechanism beyond TNF inhibition with potential applications across inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), spondyloarthritis and fibrotic conditions. MSD's development strategy leverages first-mover advantage in TL1A targeting with broad lifecycle management opportunities.

PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, MSD's candidate is leading the race among TL1A-targeting mAbs. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.