Innovate Biopharmaceuticals Enters into a Collaboration on Larazotide’s Effect on Improving the Microbiome of Children with EED with the University of Virginia School of Medicine

Innovate Biopharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:INNT) has announced a collaboration with James P. Nataro, MD, PHD, MBDA, the Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Professor and Chair, Director of Children’s services, UVA Children’s Hospital of the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

As quoted in the press release:

Dr. Nataro commented, “I am excited by this collaboration.  Abnormalities of intestinal permeability underlie a host of human diseases such as environmental enteric dysfunction, known as EED.  EED is a disorder that afflicts millions of children around the world, leading to growth faltering, cognitive delay and impaired resistance to infection.”

Dr. Nataro has published extensively on intestinal infection and gut health among children in the U.S. and around the world. Dr. Nataro’s lab is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and independent foundations.  His current work on larazotide is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Christopher Prior, Ph.D., CEO of Innovate, stated, “Larazotide is the only known molecule in late stage clinical trials that specifically restores intestinal barrier function.  We are pleased to be collaborating with Dr. Nataro, and the University of Virginia School of Medicine to research the effects of larazotide on EED.  We believe that EED is an unmet need with no current treatment and a serious health concern for millions of children globally.”

Click here to read the full press release.