French biotech Abivax has reached a major milestone in the fight against ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting nearly 1 in 1,000 people in France. With highly promising phase 3 clinical results, its drug candidate obefazimod could become a new global therapeutic standard. 

🔬 A Major Scientific Breakthrough for IBD 

Founded in 2013, Abivax specializes in developing treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Its once-daily oral therapy has shown significant efficacy in two international clinical trials (Abtect-1 and Abtect-2), involving 1,275 patients across 36 countries. 

Results show that obefazimod meets the primary endpoint of clinical remission at 8 weeks, according to FDA standards. This success positions Abivax as a key player in IBD treatment, alongside global industry leaders. 

🌍 A Global Response to an Unmet Medical Need 

Patients in the trials suffered from moderate to severe UC, often resistant to conventional therapies. Obefazimod could address an urgent therapeutic need, especially in countries with limited access to biologics. 

“The strength of these results reinforces our confidence in obefazimod […] and its potential to become a revolutionary new therapeutic modality for patients with UC,” — Marc de Garidel, CEO of Abivax 

For international medical centers, this French innovation represents a strategic opportunity: to integrate an effective, well-tolerated oral treatment into care protocols. 

📈 A Biotech on the Rise 

Following the announcement, Abivax’s stock surged over 425% on the Paris Stock Exchange, reflecting investor confidence in the treatment’s potential. This momentum boosts the visibility of French biotech research, often underestimated globally. 

🧠 France: A Hub of Innovation in Digestive Health 

Beyond Abivax, France boasts a dynamic research ecosystem in IBD, combining clinical expertise, advanced hospital infrastructure, and public-private partnerships. Institutions like INRAE, AP-HP, and clusters such as Lyonbiopôle play a leading role in understanding the gut microbiome and inflammatory mechanisms. 

🔎 Why This Breakthrough Matters for Researchers and Decision-Makers 

  • For researchers: obefazimod opens new avenues for modulating inflammation through innovative mechanisms. 
  • For patients: it offers an accessible therapeutic alternative, less invasive than injectable biologics. 
  • For medical center directors: it’s a promising treatment to include in clinical trials or care protocols, especially in emerging countries. 

📢 Summary 

Abivax’s breakthrough in treating ulcerative colitis highlights the strength of French biomedical innovation. It confirms France’s potential to lead the fight against chronic inflammatory diseases with patient-centered, exportable solutions.