Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Zürich-based microbiome translation company PharmaBiome are announcing a research & development collaboration to drive forward new microbiome-based biotherapeutics in the field of gastroenterology.

The deal provides Ferring with exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise next generation microbiome-based therapeutics within the field of gastroenterology arising out of the collaboration. The financial details of this deal are undisclosed.

“This agreement is the latest in Ferring’s long term mission to maximise the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome for the benefit of patients. PharmaBiome’s unique technology enables identification and manufacturing of defined consortium live microbiome biotherapeutics that could reverse microbiome dysbiosis linked to disease,” said Carl Bilbo, Senior Vice President, Microbiome, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. “This collaboration is a successful example of our strategy to use external innovation to build our pipeline complementary to our in-house research; and we aim to do further collaborations to build a vibrant research community.”

Tomas de Wouters, CEO, PharmaBiome said: “The trust of Ferring in our translational approach is an important validation of our work and a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of our rationally designed consortia with an experienced market leader in the microbiome therapeutic field. We are thrilled about the complementary expertise between our companies and look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”