Financing for the gut

The microbiome field is causing more and more of a stir. Research projects are cranking out data on the effects the microbiome has on health and how nutrition affects the microbiome (such as this recent one in Science). A few days ago, the US government launched a new National Microbiome Initiative, worth US$121m. Now, French Enterome Bioscience SA, developer of gut microbiome-based therapies and diagnostics, has raised €14.5m to take its lead product for the treatment of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) into the clinic.

EB8018 is a is a novel small molecule FimH antagonist licensed from Vertex that specifically targets Adherent Invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) proliferation in the gut, one of the main causes of inflammatory colitis in IBD sufferers. AIEC is an opportunistic pathogen able to thrive in the dysbiotic gut microbiome that results as IBD develops, prolonging and exacerbating the symptoms. Enterome hopes to start first clinical studies this year. Enterome will also use the funds to advance immuno-oncology therapies as well as diagnostics for microbiome-realted diseases.  

The financing round was led by existing investors, such as Seventure and Lundbeckfond Ventures, and included new investors, among them Nestlé Health Science. “The microbiome is a fast developing and new health frontier,” commented Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science.“Enterome has recognised expertise in identifying novel microbiome diagnostics. Our strategic investment in Enterome enables us to expand our microbiome portfolio ranging from diagnosis, to therapeutics (Rx) and nutritional therapies (Nx). We are excited to be working with them.”