Royalty Pharma has signed an agreement with Biogen to provide research and development (R&D) funding of up to USD 250 million for litifilimab, a first-in-class investigational drug candidate in Phase 3 with demonstrated proof-of-concept in both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

“We are excited to collaborate with Biogen on litifilimab. Royalty Pharma offers tailored, win-win funding solutions for promising therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Litifilimab has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients living with lupus, and we are excited to support its Phase 3 development through this funding collaboration,” said Pablo Legorreta, Royalty Pharma’s founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“This agreement highlights Biogen’s growing lupus portfolio and the potential of litifilimab, with its distinct mechanism of action, to address SLE and CLE – two forms of lupus where there are currently insufficient treatment options. We know patients are waiting, and this investment further supports the advancement of this promising investigational treatment through critical development stages,” said Priya Singhal, MD, MPH, Head of Development at Biogen.

Litifilimab is currently in Phase 3 trials for both SLE and CLE with results expected between 2026 and 2027. With a differentiated mechanism of action, litifilimab demonstrated proof of concept and a generally well-tolerated safety profile in SLE and CLE with results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Importantly, SLE is estimated to affect greater than 3 million patients worldwide. There are no targeted biologics specifically approved for CLE where litifilimab has the potential to be a first-in-disease medicine for these patients.