Enshorx is developing NSHO-101, a once‑daily oral small‑molecule inhibitor of the α4β7 integrin that blocks gut‑specific immune cell trafficking to treat inflammatory bowel disease. By targeting the validated α4β7/MAdCAM‑1 pathway, the drug aims to provide a convenient, potent alternative to injectable biologics and serve as a backbone for fixed‑dose oral combination therapies.
Funding
$22.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rely on biologic therapies that require intravenous infusions or injections, leading to low adherence, inconvenience, and limited treatment options. Additionally, existing oral therapies do not target the validated α4β7 immune‑trafficking pathway, leaving an unmet need for a convenient, effective oral treatment that can overcome the efficacy ceiling of current biologics.
Solution
Enshorx is developing NSHO-101, a highly potent, selective small‑molecule inhibitor of the α4β7 integrin, designed for once‑daily oral administration. By blocking α4β7–MAdCAM‑1 interactions, NSHO-101 aims to reduce gut‑specific immune cell trafficking and inflammation, mirroring the mechanism of the approved biologic vedolizumab but in an oral format. Phase 1 data show >90% receptor occupancy at trough levels, supporting robust target engagement. The company has reformulated the compound into a tablet optimized for convenient dosing and combination with other oral agents, positioning NSHO-101 as a potential anchor for fixed‑dose combination regimens. Ongoing Phase 1 healthy‑volunteer studies and planned Phase 2 trials will evaluate safety, efficacy, and the ability to break the “efficacy ceiling” observed with current biologics.
Target Audience
Primary customers are pharmaceutical partners and clinical development programs focused on IBD therapeutics, as well as healthcare providers seeking an oral alternative to biologic treatments for patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Features
- Small‑molecule α4β7 integrin inhibitor with high potency and selectivity
- Optimized tablet formulation enabling once‑daily oral dosing
- Demonstrated >90% receptor occupancy at trough in Phase 1 studies
- Designed for combinability with other oral mechanisms of action in fixed‑dose regimens
- Gut‑targeted mechanism (α4β7/MAdCAM‑1) to minimize systemic immunosuppression
- Planned Phase 2 clinical program to assess efficacy in IBD patients