Abivax said its experimental small-molecule drug, ABX464, demonstrated positive efficacy for patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis in a phase 2b trial, paving the way for the study to progress to phase 3.

Topline results from 254 participants also indicated the once-daily oral therapy displayed a positive safety profile, the French drugmaker said. A late-stage trial is planned to launch by year’s end.

Abivax is focused on developing immune system modulators for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, viral infections and cancers.