Strategic Partnership Formed with Allianthera (Suzhou) Biopharmaceuticals

Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH and Allianthera (Suzhou) Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize a promising new treatment for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The collaboration focuses on ATB102, an investigational small molecule aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist currently in Phase 1 clinical trials in the United States.

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly advance the development of ATB102 for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with Dr. Falk Pharma holding exclusive commercialization and manufacturing rights outside of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. In return, Allianthera will receive an upfront signing fee, licensing and development milestone payments, and potential sales milestones, along with tiered royalties.

ATB102, developed by Allianthera and its affiliate Allianthera Boston, Inc., represents a novel therapeutic approach aimed at restoring immune balance, repairing mucosal barriers, and reducing inflammation in the gut. Its design as a gut-enriched AhR agonist could make it particularly effective for patients with refractory UC who have not responded to existing treatments.

Dr. Falk Pharma, together with its formulation partner Losan Pharma GmbH, will also work on creating a new colonic-release formulation of the compound, in addition to the existing immediate-release version.

“Allianthera’s AhR agonist offers a truly novel mechanism of action with strong potential to address major gaps in current IBD treatment,” said Yuanhua Ding, CEO of Allianthera. “We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Falk Pharma, whose clinical and formulation expertise will be key in accelerating development and bringing this innovative therapy to patients.”

Dr. Kai Pinkernell, Managing Director of Science & Innovation at Dr. Falk Pharma, added, “ATB102 complements our R&D pipeline and reinforces our commitment to tackling digestive diseases through innovation. This partnership with Allianthera exemplifies our shared dedication to advancing science and improving patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need.”

The deal marks a significant step forward in the search for more effective therapies for IBD and highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in biopharmaceutical innovation.