Microbia and Forest Laboratories Announce Preliminary Results of Linaclotide Phase ...(IBS-A) -- and 30% to 40% of these patien...),Health

About Linaclotide

Linaclotide is a first-in-class compound currently being tested for the treatment of IBS-C, CC, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Linaclotide is an agonist of guanylate cyclase type-C, a receptor found on the lining of the intestine. In preclinical testing linaclotide was shown to increase fluid secretion into the intestine, accelerate intestinal transit, and decrease visceral pain. Linaclotide was designed to exert its effect on the intestine with minimal systemic exposure. In Phase 2a trials, linaclotide improved bowel function as measured by both CSBMs and SBMs in patients with CC and IBS- C. An issued composition of matter patent for linaclotide provides protection to 2025. In September 2007, Microbia and Forest entered into a 50/50 collaboration to co-develop and co-promote linaclotide in United States.

About Microbia

Microbia (http://www.microbia.com) is an entrepreneurial pharmaceutical company dedicated to the science and art of great drugmaking. The Company is advancing several clinical candidates-linaclotide for the treatment of chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders; and novel, next-generation cholesterol absorption inhibitors for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Microbia also has a growing pipeline of additional drug candidates in earlier stages of development. Microbia Precision Engineering, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Microbia, Inc., is an industrial biotechnology company developing and commercializing novel bioprocesses for the production of specialty chemicals. Microbia has raised $231 million in private equity financing and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

About Forest Laboratories
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