Ensho Therapeutics debuts with IBD assets from Eisai subsidiary
Phase 1License out/inDrug ApprovalAcquisitionPhase 2
Ensho Therapeutics announced its launch with the acquisition of a portfolio of oral α4β7 integrin inhibitorsα4β7 integrin inhibitors for inflammatory bowel disease from Eisai’s EA Pharma subsidiary. The lead experimental drug, dubbed NSHO-101, is set to enter Phase II development for ulcerative colitis (UC) in the first half of 2025.
Neena Bitritto-Garg, who founded the start-up, explained that the portfolio of α4β7 integrin inhibitorsα4β7 integrin inhibitors are “derived from AJM300, an oral α4 inhibitor that has been approved in Japan for induction therapy in UC,” under the brand Carogra (carotegrast methyl). Bitritto-Garg added “this, along with my history with Eisai,” where she worked in business development, “led me to found Ensho around this portfolio.”
Under the licensing agreement, Ensho has secured development, manufacturing and commercialisation rights for these assets worldwide, with the exception of Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, EA Pharma stands to receive undisclosed milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties on net sales.
Ensho will take charge of global clinical trials of NSHO-101, previously known as EA1080, in collaboration with EA Pharma. The small molecule inhibits integrin α4β7, a cell surface receptor that regulates immune cell migration to the intestine and is crucial in controlling inflammatory responses. The biotech’s pipeline also includes NSHO-102 in Phase I development for inflammatory bowel disease, as well as a number of follow-on assets.
“We believe NSHO-101 could be a transformational alternative therapy for patients who continue to suffer from IBD despite multiple lines of therapy,” remarked Bitritto-Garg. The investigational candidate showed a favourable pharmacokinetic profile and target engagement in an earlier Phase I study of 184 healthy participants.
Ensho will be led by Bittoo Kanwar, who is set to take on the CEO role effective July 1, having previously served as the chief medical officer of Telavant. Late last year, Roche bought Telavant from its parent Roivant for an upfront payment of $7.1 billion, giving the Swiss drugmaker access to the inflammatory bowel disease drug RVT-3101.
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