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Ensho Joins Race To Develop An Oral Integrin Inhibitor For IBD

Start-Up Licensed Lead Drug From Eisai Subsidiary

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Ensho Therapeutics is raising series A cash to develop Phase II-ready NSHO-101 (EA1080), a third oral ɑ4β7 integrin inhibitor attempting to take on Takeda’s blockbuster injectable Entyvio.

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Ensho is launching with a new CEO coming from Telavant • Source: Shutterstock

Ensho Therapeutics Inc. launched on 27 June to announce that it will start Phase II clinical trials in ulcerative colitis (UC) during the first half of 2025 for lead drug candidate NSHO-101 (EA1080), an oral alpha-4 beta-7 (ɑ4β7) integrin inhibitor licensed from Eisai Co., Ltd.’s gastrointestinal disease subsidiary EA Pharma Co., Ltd.

Key Takeaways

  • Ensho Therapeutics launched with an oral ɑ4β7 integrin inhibitor, NSHO-101 (EA1080), licensed from Eisai subsidiary EA Pharma and the company is in the middle of raising a series A round.

  • The drug will move into Phase II in ulcerative colitis during the first half of 2025 with a clinical trial program overseen by IBD drug development veterans

At least two other companies already have oral drugs in Phase II against the same target, each hoping to grab a share of the multibillion inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) market cornered by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.’s blockbuster ɑ4β7 integrin inhibitor Entyvio (vedolizumab)

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