Anagram Therapeutics Launches to Advance Orally Delivered Enzymes to Treat Malabsorption Syndromes and Nutrient Metabolism Disorders
Dr. Preston Campbell, former President & CEO, CF Foundation, joins
Anagram Board of Directors
FRAMINGHAM, Mass., April 4, 2023 — Anagram Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other rare diseases, today announced its launch. The company, formerly Synspira Therapeutics, will focus on its core enzyme expertise and accelerate the development of ANG003 (formerly SNSP003). Based on the success with ANG003, the company will advance a pipeline of orally delivered enzymes targeting malabsorption syndromes and nutrient metabolism disorders. The company also announced it has spun out its pulmonary program, including SNSP113, into a new entity not affiliated with Anagram.
Anagram further announced that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recently agreed to provide up to $15.5 million in additional funding, to support clinical development of ANG003, Anagram’s orally delivered enzyme replacement therapy entering clinical trials in people with CF for the treatment of malabsorption and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This additional financing brings the total support from the CF Foundation to up to $35.9 million.
“Today’s launch of Anagram marks a milestone in a twenty-plus-year effort to advance the potential of orally delivered enzymes and supports the development of highly targeted therapeutics to solve complex problems in the gastrointestinal tract,” said Robert Gallotto, president and chief executive officer, Anagram Therapeutics. “In addition, we are extremely grateful for the support provided by the CF Foundation to address the enduring challenge of oral enzyme delivery and improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis.”
Malabsorption syndromes and nutrient metabolism disorders are a group of conditions caused by enzyme deficiencies or genetic disorders that prevent the body from properly processing or absorbing certain fats, sugars, proteins, vitamins or other key nutrients. Anagram aims to create a new class of orally delivered enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) based on a deep knowledge of gastrointestinal disease pathology, advances in enzyme engineering and formulation technologies, with an experienced team that has previously built successful enzyme-based biotech companies. The company’s lead product, ANG003, delivers a broad-spectrum ERT (i.e., lipase for fat, protease for protein, and amylase for carbohydrate), targeting some of the most challenging diseases in infants, children and adults.
“Anagram is focused on becoming the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough treatments for malabsorption syndromes and nutrient metabolism disorders,” Gallotto added. “We are fortunate to have built a team including clinical and scientific thought leaders from around the world, who are bringing their expertise to advance novel targeted enzyme therapies for rare diseases. With additional financing from our existing investors we plan to advance three pipeline candidates targeting carbohydrate malabsorption disorders, in addition to ANG003.”
Preston Campbell, MD, joins Anagram Board
Anagram Therapeutics also announced that the company is expanding its Board of Directors with the addition of Preston Campbell, MD, former president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “Dr. Preston Campbell is a recognized leader and expert in cystic fibrosis, and a passionate patient advocate,” said Gallotto. “For 20 years, Preston oversaw the CF Foundation’s clinical and research programs and also helped to successfully implement the Foundation’s venture-philanthropy model to champion novel treatments in the fight against CF. Dr. Campbell is an outstanding addition to our Board, and we will greatly benefit from his experience, as we initiate our clinical research programs and long-term product development strategy.”
"I am honored to join Anagram at such an exciting time in the company’s history and to work with a team that has a track record of bringing important products to the CF community," said Dr. Campbell. "Anagram’s lead program is moving ahead quickly, and I am looking forward to helping the company continue to advance its pipeline of important treatments for people with CF and other rare diseases."
Anagram is supported by an experienced and seasoned Board of Directors: Alexey Margolin, PhD (Board chair, Anagram Therapeutics), Drucy Borowitz, MD (former SVP, CF Foundation; CF researcher and CF center director), Preston Campbell, MD (former president & CEO, CF Foundation), Robert Coughlin (JLL; former CEO, Massachusetts Biotech Council), Robert Gallotto (president & CEO, Anagram Therapeutics) and Andrew Miller (president & CEO, Stimson Lumber Company).
About Anagram Therapeutics
Anagram Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, orally delivered enzyme therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases caused by malabsorption syndromes and nutrient metabolism disorders that prevent the body from properly processing or absorbing certain fats, sugars, proteins, vitamins or other key nutrients. The company is leveraging proprietary enzyme technologies and expertise in gastrointestinal diseases to solve complex problems and advance a pipeline of products that can make a life-changing impact for people and their families living with cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases. ANG003, Anagram’s lead product for the treatment of malabsorption and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, is a new class of broad-spectrum digestive enzyme replacement therapy entering clinical trials in people with cystic fibrosis. Anagram is a privately held company headquartered in Framingham, MA. To learn more, visit www.anagramtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.