BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Wave BioPharma, Inc., (NASDAQ: FWBI), (“First Wave BioPharma†or the “Companyâ€), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, today announced that it has entered a non-binding term sheet to sell its Niclosamide program for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and related conditions to an undisclosed biopharmaceutical company (the “Proposed Transactionâ€). The Proposed Transaction will enable First Wave BioPharma to focus its development resources on its three late-stage clinical programs: Capeserod, a selective 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist licensed from Sanofi; Adrulipase, a recombinant lipase enzyme for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI); and, after the closing of the recently announced potential business combination with ImmunogenX, Latiglutenase, a Phase 3-ready oral biotherapeutic for celiac disease.
The non-binding term sheet includes a low seven-figure upfront payment to First Wave BioPharma for rights to Niclosamide, as well as economics related to future milestones and royalties. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024. Additional details of the transaction will be disclosed upon finalization and execution of the definitive agreement. Upon execution of the definitive agreement, the completion of the transaction will be subject to, among other matters, satisfaction of the conditions negotiated therein, the buyer having secured adequate financing, and receipt of all third party (including governmental) approvals, licenses, consents, and clearances, as and when applicable.
“This is a very exciting time in the evolution of First Wave BioPharma as we have recently reinvigorated our GI-focused clinical development pipeline with Phase 2-ready Capeserod from Sanofi and the pending addition of Phase 3-ready Latiglutenase,†stated James Sapirstein, President and CEO of First Wave BioPharma. “We plan to rapidly advance these programs in 2024 given the significant potential of each to address GI conditions for which no effective therapies currently exist. As a result, we made the strategic decision to streamline our development pipeline and are pleased to have entered a non-binding term sheet for Niclosamide, which has the potential to infuse First Wave with additional, non-dilutive capital.â€
Niclosamide is a prescription, non-systemic, small molecule drug listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO). Niclosamide was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982 for the treatment of intestinal tapeworm infections and has been safely used on millions of patients. The drug is a potential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy for the treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). First Wave BioPharma had previously conducted Phase 2 trials with niclosamide for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis/proctosigmoiditis (the most prevalent form of ulcerative colitis) and for the treatment of COVID gastrointestinal infections. The Company also has a Phase 2 open-IND for the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated colitis and diarrhea in patients with metastatic cancer. Intellectual property for niclosamide formulations governing composition of matter and methods of use extends beyond 2040.
About First Wave BioPharma, Inc.
First Wave BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple late-stage clinical stage programs, including Capeserod, a selective 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist which First Wave is developing for gastrointestinal (GI) indications; the biologic Adrulipase, a recombinant lipase enzyme designed to enable the digestion of fats and other nutrients in cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; and it is anticipated that the Company will soon acquire Latiglutenase, a targeted, oral first-in-class biotherapeutic for celiac disease. First Wave BioPharma is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information visit www.firstwavebio.com.
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For more information:
First Wave BioPharma, Inc.
777 Yamato Road, Suite 502
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 589-7020
info@firstwavebio.com
Media contact:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
David Schemelia
(609) 468-9325
dschemelia@tiberend.com
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