Ferring acquires Rebiotix, C. diff drug candidate

Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced it will acquire Minnesota-based clinical microbiome company Rebiotix.

Ferring said the deal allows it to ensure broader patient access to any future human microbiome treatments developed from Rebiotix’s Microbiota Restoration Therapy, including RBX2660, a non-antibiotic treatment for Clostridium difficile, currently in phase 3 development.

“The scientific advances Rebiotix has made add significant strategic value to Ferring’s leadership in gastroenterology,” Michael Pettigrew, president of the executive board and chief operating officer of Ferring said in a press release. “Therapies targeted towards the microbiome have the potential to transform health care. Together, we have a unique opportunity to help people living with debilitating and life-threating conditions like Clostridium difficile infection.”

The FDA has given RBX2660 fast track, breakthrough therapy and orphan drug designations, making it eligible for expedited review. It could be the first human microbiome product approved in the world, according to the press release.

“This acquisition strengthens our innovation pipeline and complements our own ongoing microbiome research as well as our partnerships with world-leading organizations in this area,” Per Falk, Ferring’s chief science officer, said in the press release. “Rebiotix’s culture and passion for high quality, innovative research fits with our own and complements our existing R&D capabilities.”

Disclosures: Pettigrew and Falk are employed by Ferring.