First Wave Eyes Sale of Niclosamide IBD Program

 First Wave BioPharma, Inc., (NASDAQ: FWBI), (“First Wave BioPharma” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, today announced that it has entered a non-binding term sheet to sell its Niclosamide program for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and related conditions to an undisclosed biopharmaceutical company (the “Proposed Transaction”). The Proposed Transaction will enable First Wave BioPharma to focus its development resources on its three late-stage clinical programs: Capeserod, a selective 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist licensed from Sanofi; Adrulipase, a recombinant lipase enzyme for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI); and, after the closing of the recently announced potential business combination with ImmunogenX, Latiglutenase, a Phase 3-ready oral biotherapeutic for celiac disease.

The non-binding term sheet includes a low seven-figure upfront payment to First Wave BioPharma for rights to Niclosamide, as well as economics related to future milestones and royalties. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024. Additional details of the transaction will be disclosed upon finalization and execution of the definitive agreement. Upon execution of the definitive agreement, the completion of the transaction will be subject to, among other matters, satisfaction of the conditions negotiated therein, the buyer having secured adequate financing, and receipt of all third party (including governmental) approvals, licenses, consents, and clearances, as and when applicable.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/12/27/2801297/0/en/First-Wave-BioPharma-Announces-Streamlining-of-Clinical-Pipeline-with-Non-Binding-Term-Sheet-to-Sell-Niclosamide-IBD-Program.html