Enterome enters drug discovery collaborations with Janssen and Takeda

The collaborative research agreement with Janssen Biotech and the French National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRA) will focus on the discovery of novel targets and therapeutics for Crohn’s disease.

Enterome has already discovered bacterial strains, genes and products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties by integrating its metagenomics tools and screening technologies.

Under the deal, the parties intend to advance the characterization and therapeutic validation of the bacterial products and secure more knowledge on the regulation of immunity and gut homeostasis.

Janssen has an option to secure an exclusive license to further develop and commercialize candidates that could generate from the partnership.

The second collaboration with Japan-based Takeda will focus on the development of potential new therapeutics directed at microbiome targets that are believed to play key roles in gastrointestinal disorders.

The French firm will use its metagenomic platform to support the discovery of potential novel agents derived from gut bacteria and directed to the GI targets selected by both the companies.

Takeda has an option to license selected agents globally. The company will carry out regulatory, clinical development and commercialization aspects of the agents.

Enterome will receive an upfront payment and R&D funding under both the collaborations.

Enterome was established in 2012 to develop the discoveries made by the INRA metagenomic platform.

Image: Enterome Bioscience’s collaborations with Janssen and Takeda will expand its research for addressing significant unmet medical needs. Photo: courtesy of Carlos Porto/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.