Interlude Biopharma
Interlude Biopharma develops prevention-first therapies that protect gut barrier integrity by regulating tight-junction proteins. Its lead candidate, Larazotide Acetate, is a Phase 3-ready oral drug designed to prevent gluten-induced immune activation in celiac disease patients, addressing the root cause of inflammation rather than managing symptoms. The pipeline extends to other autoimmune, inflammatory, and post-infectious conditions driven by epithelial disruption.
- Drug Discovery & Therapeutics
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare Technology
Funding
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Millions of celiac disease patients live with constant vigilance against gluten exposure, as even trace amounts from cross-contamination can trigger immune activation, intestinal damage, and increased permeability. With no FDA-approved therapies available, patients face days of pain, fatigue, and anxiety from inadvertent gluten ingestion, severely limiting their quality of life and dietary freedom.
Solution
Interlude Biopharma is pioneering prevention-first therapies that preserve gut integrity and prevent inflammation at its source. Its lead candidate, Larazotide Acetate, is a Phase 3-ready, first-ever therapy designed to protect celiac patients from gluten-induced immune activation by competitively inhibiting the zonulin receptor, preventing tight junction opening and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. The oral peptide acts locally in the gut, limiting gliadin peptide passage and reducing intestinal permeability. This upstream intervention addresses the root cause of autoimmune, inflammatory, and post-infectious conditions driven by epithelial disruption, rather than just treating symptoms. The pipeline extends this mechanism across multiple diseases, offering patients protection against inadvertent gluten exposure and enabling dietary flexibility and improved quality of life.
Target Audience
Primary customers are celiac disease patients seeking protection against inadvertent gluten exposure, as well as gastroenterologists and clinical researchers focused on autoimmune and inflammatory conditions involving gut barrier dysfunction.
Features
- First-in-class, non-immunosuppressive therapy targeting tight-junction regulation to preserve mucosal and epithelial integrity
- Phase 3-ready oral peptide formulation that acts locally in the gut where it is needed most
- Competitive inhibition of the zonulin receptor, preventing tight junction opening and limiting gliadin peptide passage
- FDA Fast Track designation for the lead candidate
- Platform technology extendable to a broad spectrum of autoimmune, inflammatory, and post-infectious conditions driven by epithelial disruption