TOPNewsFiscal 2022Asahi Kasei Pharma announces the start of a Phase 1 study of next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog peptide apraglutide in Japan

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Asahi Kasei Pharma announces the start of a Phase 1 study of next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog peptide apraglutide in Japan

March 13, 2023
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.

Asahi Kasei Pharma today announces the start of a Phase 1 study investigating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacological action, safety, and tolerability of apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog peptide, when a single subcutaneous dose is given to healthy Japanese adult men and women.

Apraglutide is a synthetic peptide designed as an analog of natural GLP-2, which contributes to the homeostasis of various intestinal functions such as promoting the maintenance of small intestinal mucosa and digestion absorption. It is expected to have a longer half-life than natural GLP-2 while performing the same function. Currently, VectivBio Holding AG (VectivBio) is developing apraglutide worldwide for patients with short bowel syndrome1 with intestinal failure (SBS-IF) and with acute steroid-refractory, gastrointestinal graft versus host disease (aGI-GVHD)2. In March 2022, Asahi Kasei Pharma obtained exclusive rights to develop and commercialize apraglutide in Japan.

By providing a new therapeutic solution for patients with SBS-IF and aGI-GVHD, Asahi Kasei Pharma aims to realize a society where “no one should have to give up doing what they love due to illness” in accordance with its mission “to sincerely care for each individual life and solve their unmet medical needs with a wealth of ideas and solid science.”

 

About VectivBio

VectivBio (Nasdaq: VECT) is a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming and improving the lives of patients with severe rare conditions. Lead product candidate apraglutide is a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog being developed for a range of rare gastrointestinal diseases where GLP-2 can play a central role in addressing disease pathophysiology, including SBS-IF and aGI-GVHD. Learn more at www.vectivbio.com

  • 1Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorptive disorder caused by the loss of functional small intestine. Many patients with SBS require the support of fluids and nutrients taken by non-oral means.
  • 2Acute steroid-refractory, gastrointestinal graft versus host disease (aGI-GVHD) is a complication seen in many patients who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant as donor immune cells attack the recipient’s body believing the recipient’s body to be foreign, possibly causing intestinal and liver damage.