Takeda To Lead Finch-Partnered Microbiome IBD Drug

Finch Therapeutics Group Inc FNCH announced that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited TAK has elected to take the lead on the development of FIN-524, now known as TAK-524, in ulcerative colitis.
When Takeda teamed up with Finch Therapeutics in 2017 on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it planned to pick up programs after they'd finished Phase 2 trials.
Takeda will assume primary development responsibility for the program ahead of the planned initiation of clinical-stage development. Finch will provide ongoing technical support through the phase 1 trial of the treatment.
TAK-524 is made up of bacteria strains designed to fight ulcerative colitis at its source by harnessing the gut microbiome's influence on the immune system.
Finch and Takeda to continue discovery efforts targeting Crohn's disease.
Price Action: FNCH shares are up 0.54% at $13.87, while TAK stock is down 0.44% at $16.35 during the market session on the last check Tuesday.