Ensho Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative oral therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through its pipeline of small molecule inhibitors targeting the integrin α4β7. This integrin plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell migration to the intestine, which is significant in controlling inflammatory responses associated with IBD. The company’s lead drug candidate, NSHO-101, is designed to selectively inhibit α4β7 activity, potentially providing a localized therapeutic effect in the gut while minimizing systemic side effects. This approach aims to address the unmet need for oral treatments in IBD, as current options primarily consist of injectable biologics.

The company’s strategy is underpinned by decades of research validating α4β7 inhibition as an effective anti-inflammatory mechanism in IBD, supported by the success of existing therapies like vedolizumab. Ensho plans to initiate a Phase 2 clinical program for NSHO-101 in the first half of 2025, following promising results from its Phase 1 trials, which demonstrated safety, tolerability, and gut-restricted activity. By focusing on oral, selective small molecule inhibitors, Ensho Therapeutics aims to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, ultimately striving to alleviate chronic inflammation and improve patient outcomes.

United States

Ensho Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough oral therapies for patients with inflammatory diseases. The company's initial focus is on a pipeline of oral, selective small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte homing integrin α4β7 for IBD, a mechanism already validated by a commercially available antibody. Ensho's assets were acquired from EA Pharma Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., that is focused on gastrointestinal disease.  Ensho is preparing to initiate a Phase 2 clinical program in UC with NSHO-101, the lead asset in the company's pipeline.

Ensho Therapeutics

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