STAT+: FDA approves Roivant therapy for rare autoimmune disease

Drug provides a new option for patients — and a new kind of opportunity for the biotech company Jose Luis Magana/AP Aug. 27, 2026 Adam Feuerstein, a senior writer and biotech columnist, is the author of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter about the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved a new medicine from Roivant and its subsidiary Priovant for the treatment of dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and a painful skin rash. The drug, called brepocitinib, will be marketed under the brand name Lisraya. It’s a pill taken once daily. High doses of steroids and other immune-suppressing drugs are the current standard of care for patients with dermatomyositis, which affects between 40,000 and 70,000 people in the U.S., according to Roivant. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54.