Enterome Bioscience SA (Enterome), a pioneer in the development of therapeutic solutions based on the gut microbiome, has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Janssen Biotech), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, and the French National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRA).
The agreement, facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation, is focused on the discovery of novel targets and bioactive molecules from the gut microbiome for the potential development of therapeutic solutions to Crohn's disease.
Enterome has already identified bacterial strains, genes and products with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties by combining its own advanced proprietary metagenomics tools and screening technologies. The collaboration aims to advance the characterization and therapeutic validation of these bacterial products, increase knowledge of the regulation of immunity and gut homeostasis, and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic solutions for Crohn's disease.
Under the terms of the agreement, Enterome is eligible to receive an upfront payment plus R&D funding from Janssen. Janssen receives an option to take an exclusive license to further develop and commercialize promising candidates that may arise from the collaboration. The Janssen Human Microbiome Institute will also join the collaboration to help accelerate the translation of microbiome science into therapeutic solutions in the area of Crohn's disease.
The collaboration is based on initial findings by INRA showing that some commensal (symbiotic) bacteria elicit anti-inflammatory effects in the human gut.
Pierre Belichard, CEO of Enterome commented, "Enterome is proud of its leading position in discovering and developing microbiome-derived therapeutics for Crohn's disease, and we look forward to advancing through collaborations that continue to reflect positively on our strong recognition from the pharmaceutical industry."
Enterome is pioneering the development of novel drugs and diagnostics to support personalized therapies in microbiome-related diseases such as IBD, cancer and metabolic diseases.