First Wave BioPharma (NASDAQ: FWBI) experienced an impressive pre-market surge of approximately 85% on Thursday following the announcement of a licensing agreement with Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) concerning Capeserod, a potential treatment for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders.

The Agreement:
According to the terms of the agreement, the biotech company based in Boca Raton, Florida, will obtain an exclusive global license for Capeserod from the French pharmaceutical giant and assume responsibility for its clinical development in exchange for an initial payment described as “modest.” Additionally, there will be further payments tied to developmental milestones and single-digit royalties based on net sales. Sanofi (SNY) will retain the right of first refusal for the future commercialization of Capeserod.
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Sanofi’s research on Capeserod, backed by cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) analysis, suggests that this drug could be a game-changer for a range of gastrointestinal disorders. These conditions represent massive markets with significant unmet medical needs. It’s like discovering a potential solution to some major health challenges.
Capeserod:
Sanofi has a track record with Capeserod, having already conducted seven Phase 1 and two Phase 2 trials to explore its potential in treating neurological disorders. These trials involved over 600 patients, and the good news is that Capeserod showed itself to be safe and well-tolerated. That’s a promising start.
Now, First Wave is eager to get things moving. They’re planning to reach out to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a meeting as soon as possible. The goal? To hash out a clear plan for developing and regulating Capeserod for gastrointestinal diseases. They’re hoping to kick off clinical trials in 2024, which could be a big step forward in bringing this potential treatment to those who need it.
About First Wave Biopharma:
First Wave BioPharma is a company focused on developing specialized treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. They’re currently in the clinical-stage, meaning they’re actively testing their therapies on patients to make sure they work effectively.
They have two unique technologies they’re working with. The first one is called adrulipase, which is a special enzyme designed to help people digest fats and other nutrients better. The goal is to make it easier for people with GI issues to absorb these essential elements.
The second technology is niclosamide, a small molecule taken orally. It’s got anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Right now, First Wave is especially interested in adrulipase. They’re running Phase 2 clinical trials for it, focusing on patients dealing with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (FW-EPI). This condition often affects people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). The hope is that adrulipase can provide these patients with a safe and effective treatment option that doesn’t rely on animal-derived substances, and it might even reduce the number of pills they need to take every day.
But that’s not all. First Wave is also working on multiple programs involving niclosamide. They’re exploring its potential for ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, all of which fall under the GI disease umbrella.
In a nutshell, First Wave BioPharma is on a mission to create better, more targeted treatments for GI diseases, and they’ve got some promising candidates in their pipeline.
Their latest collaboration with Sanofi hopes to repurpose Capeserod and focus on its development for various gastrointestinal indications. The company has initiated discussions with the FDA to map out a development and regulatory roadmap for Capeserod, with Phase 2 clinical trials slated to commence in 2024.
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