First Wave BioPharma’s bid to challenge AbbVie for a gastrointestinal market has suffered a setback, with the biotech telling investors “it is likely the primary efficacy endpoint was not achieved.”
Florida-based First Wave is developing a formulation of adrulipase, a yeast-based alternative to AbbVie’s Creon and other pig-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies. The therapies are used to treat nutritional deficiencies related to conditions including cystic fibrosis. First Wave bet its enzyme is a safer option with a lower pill burden and simplified sourcing that eliminates the risk of pathogen transmission.