Responsibility

Patients & Research

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We put patients at the center of everything we do.

This includes ensuring access to treatments and care, expanding our GI portfolio, engaging with patients, and conducting responsible research.

Strengthening Our Leading GI Portfolio

Apraglutide

In June 2023, we expanded our pipeline through the acquisition of VectivBio to include apraglutide, an investigational GLP-2 analog being evaluated as a potential once-weekly treatment for patients with Short Bowel Syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF).

SBS-IF is a severe malabsorptive condition requiring ongoing I.V. administration of fluids and nutrients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, high economic burden, and an impaired quality of life. A substantial number of SBS-IF patients remain dependent on chronic parenteral support, and there is considerable unmet need in this patient population, which has an estimated addressable population of 18,000 adult patients across the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

CNP-104

We expanded our pipeline by entering into a collaboration and license option agreement with COUR Pharmaceuticals Development Company, Inc., which grants us an option to acquire an exclusive license to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize, in the U.S., products containing CNP-104, a potential treatment for PBC, a rare autoimmune disease targeting the liver that affects an estimated 133,000 people in the U.S. according to a study published in Gastroenterology. Currently, there is no approved therapy that addresses the root cause of the autoimmune destruction of the bile ducts in PBC. In December 2021, COUR received U.S. Fast Track Designation. COUR has initiated a clinical study for CNP-104 to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic effects and efficacy of CNP-104 in PBC patients, with a data readout estimated in the second half of 2023.

IW-3300

We are developing our wholly owned IW-3300 – a GC-C agonist - for the potential treatment of visceral pain conditions, such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and endometriosis. IC/BPS affects an estimated 4 to 12 million Americans, according to the Interstitial Cystitis Association. An estimated 4 million reproductive-age women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with endometriosis, according to a study published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. Both diseases have a limited number of treatment options available. We are continuing study start up activities and plan to finalize the Phase II proof of concept study design in IC/BPS by the end of 2022, with patient enrollment expected in early 2023.

Patient Engagement

We believe in bringing diverse patient voices to the forefront of what we do, and we are committed to reducing healthcare inequities. In 2021, we sponsored a workshop with the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) focused on improving communication between physicians and patients living with GI disease. We also partnered with the digital platform PatientsLikeMe to bolster support for patient advocacy. Our clinical trials are designed to minimize patient burden and improve access to investigational drugs by all demographics.

SBS Patient Support Resource

We’re thrilled to unveil a first-of-its-kind short bowel syndrome (SBS) patient support resource supported by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. Authored by members of the SBS community, the resource provides a summary of services and resources offered by various patient groups to help people with SBS navigate their complex journey and connect with those who understand and share their experiences.

SBSTalk

Responsible Research

Clinical Research Data Sharing
Animal Welfare

We are committed to the ethical use of animals in medical research. All animal studies are carefully reviewed by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which is charged with ensuring that a proposed study is essential. We comply with the “Three Rs” (Replace, Reduce and Refine), widely accepted ethical principles that are embedded in the conduct of animal-based science.

Collaborating Opportunities

As a GI-focused, global healthcare company, we are interested in identifying opportunities to collaborate on GI products. Please contact [email protected] for partnership inquiries. Learn more about grant and sponsorship opportunities.

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To read further please
view our 2022 report.
Ironwood has successfully completed the tender offer of VectivBio, a global clinical-stage biotechnology company
pioneering novel, transformational treatments for severe rare gastrointestinal conditions. For more information, click here