CJ Bioscience will present preclinical data on its drug candidate, CJRB-201. This drug will treat disease inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes disorders such as Crohn's disease.
CJ Bioscience has conducted research using its Ez-Mx® artificial intelligence platform to identify CJRB-201, a bacterial strain of Faecalibacterium. This bacteria has been associated with intestinal health and its decrease in patients with IBD has been found to be a key factor in the development of these disorders.
The information will be made public during the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2025 conference. This event will be held in Berlin, Germany, from 19 to 22 February. It is renowned for bringing together experts, researchers and companies from the pharmaceutical sector.
Innovation in IBD Treatment
The results of preclinical studies are promising. In animal models, CJRB-201 has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects. The strain induced a strong response of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial for regulating the immune response and reducing inflammation. In addition, the studies showed improvements in weight loss, reduced disease activity, and histopathological improvements.
Throughout these studies, CJRB-201 demonstrated comparable efficacy to market-leading antibody therapies, but with a key advantage: it is a well-tolerated oral formulation with increased safety. The company highlights that, unlike current antibody-based treatments, CJRB-201 has a superior safety profile and the convenience of being administered orally.
Future Research and Collaborations
CJ Bioscience is also exploring how dietary fibers could further enhance the effects of CJRB-201 in the treatment of IBD. They are using the SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) system to identify fibers that promote CJRB-201 colonization in the gut. Additionally, the company is working in collaboration with Professor Jun Huh from Harvard Medical School to further study the mechanisms of action of CJRB-201.
The company plans to start a human clinical trial in 2026, based on the encouraging results obtained in the preclinical phase. This marks an important step in the development of new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.
