Science & Medicine

Therapeutic Focus

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Thoughtfully Approaching GI Drug Discovery   

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ commitment to redefining the standard of care for patients suffering from GI diseases is unwavering. We understand that debilitating GI diseases exist, and countless patients need meaningful and effective medicines.

We are focused on following the science and strengthening our portfolio by pursuing opportunities in organic GI diseases with significant unmet medical need, strong mechanistic rationale, and commercial viability. By following this strategy, we can leverage our leading GI capabilities and expertise now and in the future.    

Linaclotide was discovered because of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ pioneering research on the intestinal enzyme guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) and went on to become the first GC-C agonist approved in the U.S., establishing GC-C agonists as a new class of medicines.

GC-C is found mainly on the surface of the intestine and is thought to be a potential target for a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Ironwood developed an orally available peptide – linaclotide – that selectively hits this target and can survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach to reach GC-C in the intestine.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ commitment to redefining the standard of care for patients suffering from GI diseases is unwavering.

We understand that debilitating GI diseases exist, and countless patients need meaningful and effective medicines.
flower petal design element

We are focused on following the science and strengthening our portfolio by pursuing opportunities in organic GI diseases with significant unmet medical need, strong mechanistic rationale, and commercial viability. By following this strategy, we can leverage our leading GI capabilities and expertise now and in the future.

Linaclotide was discovered because of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals’ pioneering research on the intestinal enzyme guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) and went on to become the first GC-C agonist approved in the U.S., establishing GC-C agonists as a new class of medicines.

GC-C is found mainly on the surface of the intestine and is thought to be a potential target for a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Ironwood developed an orally available peptide – linaclotide – that selectively hits this target and can survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach to reach GC-C in the intestine.

illustration in 3d of cells in an artery
flower petal design element