Mastering the microbiome

Companies developing microbiome-based treatments have garnered a lot of interest recently, following many years of uncertainty over the therapeutic potential of the approach.

This has led to more money from venture capitalists, and increased valuations for publicly-listed companies.

Life sciences investor Flagship Pioneering, for example, has helped found several new microbiome startups, including Kaleido Biosciences (Nasdaq: KLDO) and Seres Therapeutics (Nasdaq: MCRB), which is developing SER-109 as an option to reduce recurrence of C. difficile infection.

Phase III success for Seres in this indication, followed by more positive results for candidates developed by Rebiotix and by Finch Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FNCH), have really stirred enthusiasm from the investment community.

Big pharma is also starting to pay attention, with money coming from companies including Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK).

Japanese gastroenterology giant Takeda (TYO: 4502) has started new collaborations with an array of biotech startups, including Finch, Debiopharm and Enterome. 

In the UK, Glasgow-based startup EnteroBiotix is looking to expand quickly, with a particular focus on developing a high quality donor program as part of an end-to-end supply chain for microbiome-based therapeutics.

The company’s founder and CEO, Dr James Mcllroy, spoke with The Pharma Letter about his development strategy, as well as the broader potential for this therapy area.