Back (from left to right): Cyrille Kuhn (Allianthera), Monika Fritz (Dr Falk Pharma), Dirk Brehmer (Dr Falk Pharma), Xianghong Shao (Allianthera) and Helle Størum (Dr Falk Pharma). Front (from left to right): Philipp Argast (Dr Falk Pharma), Yuanhua Ding (Allianthera) and Kai Pinkernell (Dr Falk Pharma). Credit: Dr Falk Pharma GmbH.
Dr Falk Pharma has signed an agreement with Allianthera (Suzhou) Biopharmaceuticals and its affiliate, Allianthera, to co-develop, license, manufacture and commercialise ATB102, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist currently in Phase I study in the US.
Dr Falk Pharma and Allianthera will work together to advance the new small molecule for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically targeting refractory moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).
The agreement grants Dr Falk Pharma exclusive rights to license, manufacture and market ATB102 globally, excluding Hong Kong, Mainland China, Macau and Taiwan.
In exchange, Allianthera will be eligible for a signing fee and payments based on development milestones and a licensing fee, and additional sales milestone payments along with tiered royalties.
ATB102 is a gut-enriched AhR agonist that offers a new therapeutic strategy for IBD. It is specifically designed to address inflammation and mucosal damage in the gastrointestinal tract, with a focus on treating refractory moderate-to-severe UC.
Allianthera CEO Yuanhua Ding stated: “The aryl hydrocarbon receptor represents a truly novel mechanism of action to address the significant unmet needs in inflammatory bowel disease – especially in ulcerative colitis. The ATB team has discovered what we believe to be the best-in-class AhR agonist optimised for safety, gut enrichment and therapeutic impact.
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“We are delighted to join forces with Dr Falk Pharma, which has deep expertise in formulation and clinical development. By combining our complementary strengths, we are confident that we will accelerate this programme and deliver a much-needed, high-quality therapy to patients faster than ever before.”
In collaboration with its wholly owned subsidiary, Losan Pharma, Dr Falk Pharma will also develop a new colonic-release formulation of ATB102 to complement the existing immediate-release formulation.
Dr Falk Pharma science and innovation managing director Kai Pinkernell stated: “We are excited about the addition of ATB102 to our research and development pipeline and to further exploring the potential of this novel molecule in future clinical trials together with Allianthera.
“The partnership with Allianthera reflects the strength of scientific excellence, mutual trust and a shared vision to better the lives of patients suffering from IBD. This collaboration not only reflects our growing global development and commitment to innovation in areas of high unmet medical need, but it will also enhance Dr Falk Pharma’s portfolio to treat digestive diseases and conditions.”
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