Roivant Sciences launches Respivant Sciences to advance treatments for respiratory diseases

Roivant Sciences has launched a new biopharma company, Respivant Sciences, to focus on cutting-edge treatments for severe respiratory conditions.

The newly established Respivant Sciences will be led by Bill Gerhart as CEO, Ahmet Tutuncu as Executive Vice President for Clinical and Regulatory, and Pravin Soni as Executive Vice President for Development and Manufacturing. This new venture aims to bring innovative solutions to the treatment of serious respiratory diseases.

Central to Respivant Sciences’ pipeline is RVT-1601, an inhaled therapeutic developed for chronic cough treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The launch follows Roivant Sciences’ recent acquisition of global rights to PA101, an inhaled cromolyn sodium formulation now renamed RVT-1601. The therapeutic acts as a mast cell stabilizer with immune-modulating properties, delivered through a handheld aerosol device that creates a fine mist for easy inhalation.

Promising Results from Early Trials

In a Phase 2a trial, RVT-1601 demonstrated significant reductions in cough frequency among IPF patients after just 14 days of treatment. This positive outcome has positioned Respivant Sciences to initiate a Phase 2b study for RVT-1601 in the first quarter of 2019.

Bill Gerhart, CEO of Respivant Sciences, expressed optimism about RVT-1601, highlighting the debilitating impact of chronic cough on IPF patients. “Almost all IPF patients suffer from a dry, persistent chronic cough, which can severely affect their quality of life. Based on the positive results in our Phase 2a study, we are very excited about the potential for developing the first approved therapy for this leading cause of poor quality of life in IPF patients,” Gerhart said.

Looking Ahead

Respivant Sciences aims to advance its pipeline with RVT-1601, focusing on addressing significant unmet needs in respiratory disease management. The company’s leadership and innovative approach signal a promising future in developing therapies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes.