PR84311

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 10, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Takeda will pursue the development of a novel preclinical narrow spectrum

microbiome remodeling program, to treat diseases related to dysbiosis of the

human gut microbiome  

Debiopharm (www.debiopharm.com), a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, announced

today an exclusive license agreement and research collaboration with Takeda

Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) to develop novel microbiome

therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The

preclinical program is focused on novel, narrow spectrum, microbiome remodeling

agents targeting a combination of intestinal pathobiont bacterial species while

sparing healthy commensal bacteria.

Under the agreement, Takeda will screen and optimize compounds derived from

Debiopharm's discovery Debio 1454M program to identify candidates for further

development for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other GI

disorders. Drug candidates will be evaluated for their effectiveness against

specific disease-causing microorganisms while preserving the natural balance of

the microbiota.

"We are thrilled about this new collaboration with Takeda for our microbiome

remodeling program, as we will gain more insights into how this novel class of

compounds can potentially be used to help patients with chronic inflammatory

gut diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. This program could represent a

real breakthrough for patients, while minimizing the potential for treatment

resistance via its specifically targeted mode of action," explained Bertrand

Ducrey, CEO at Debiopharm.

"Over the past five years, Takeda has built a leading network of R&D

partnerships to leverage the cutting-edge understanding of the gut microbiome

in promoting mucosal homeostasis and the role of pathobionts as potential

disease drivers," said Gareth Hicks, Ph.D., Head of the GI Drug Discovery Unit

at Takeda. "We are excited to invest further in microbiome research as we work

with Debiopharm to explore the potential for this highly innovative program to

provide improved treatment opportunities for patients with chronic GI

inflammatory disorders."

Since 2016, Debiopharm has significantly expanded its antibiotic and

microbiology pipeline with the launch of several discovery programs and the

initiation of a new phase II study in bone and joint infections with afabicin

(Debio 1450).

Debiopharm's commitment to patients

Debiopharm develops innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs

in oncology and infectious diseases. Bridging the gap between disruptive

discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential

compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their

safety and efficacy and then select large pharmaceutical commercialization

partners to maximize patient access globally.

Visit us www.debiopharm.com/

Follow us @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews

Debiopharm Contact

Dawn Haughton - Communication Manager  

dawn.haughton@debiopharm.com  

Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11

Source:  Debiopharm International SA