Royalty Pharma, a buyer of pharmaceutical royalties in the biopharma sector and a financer of innovation in the field, has announced a collaboration with biotech company, Biogen. Through the agreement, Royalty Pharma will provide funding of up to $250 million for R&D into ‘litifilimab’, a pioneering drug candidate for the treatment of both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

The drug is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials and results are expected between 2026 and 2027 regarding both diseases. Proof-of-concept and well-tolerated safety parameters have already been demonstrated. If successful, litifilimab would potentially be the first ever biologic targeted at the treatment of lupus diseases. Under the terms of agreement, Royalty Pharma is to provide up to $250 million for the development of litifilimab over the period of six quarters; this is subject to the achievement of regulatory milestones as well as annual royalties on global sales.