OREANDA-NEWS. September 18, 2015. Nestle Health Science has entered into a license agreement with Lipid Therapeutics for exclusive rights to develop and commercialise LT-02 - a new therapeutic approach that has shown success in treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that affects the colon - part of the large intestine - in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores or ulcers. It can cause diarrhoea, bleeding and abdominal pain.

Although the most common treatment is 5-aminosalicylic acid, an estimated 40% of patients who take the medication continue to experience persistent flare-ups.

Nestle Health Science intends to develop LT-02 as an add-on therapy to 5-aminosalicylic acid, as the compound can not only help heal the ulcers but also restore the lining of the colon wall. This can help reduce the chances of the condition developing again.

Nestle Health Science’s rights to LT-02 will be global, except for Europe and Australia. The company will start Phase 3 clinical trials in the US next year.

This licensing agreement is part of Nestle Health Science’s strategy to develop its product portfolio for gastrointestinal diseases, a key focus of its Novel Therapeutic Nutrition business area.