TiGenix, an advanced biopharmaceutical company focused on exploiting the anti-inflammatory properties of allogeneic, or donor-derived, stem cells to develop novel therapies for serious medical conditions, announces partnerships with the largest patient advocacy groups focused on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
In the United States, TiGenix has joined the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's President's Corporate Circle; and, in Europe, TiGenix has signed a sponsorship agreement with the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA).
The company will work with both organications to broaden the understanding and awareness of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease.
"We are delighted to join the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and EFCCA in their ongoing efforts to bring novel treatment options to patients with IBD," said Dr Mary Carmen Diez, Vice President, Commercialisation and Medical Affairs at TiGenix.
"Complex perianal fistulas are a relatively common, severe and debilitating complication of Crohn's disease for which there remains a large unmet medical need."
Michael Osso, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, said: "The Foundation is at the forefront of research in inflammatory bowel diseases, convening key stakeholders — researchers, physicians and healthcare companies — to unite the IBD community with a focus on bringing new treatment options to our patients."
"Our President's Corporate Circle members support us in our mission to do impactful and crucial work to improve the lives of patients living with IBD and find cures for these diseases. We look forward to working with TiGenix alongside our other esteemed and committed industry partners."
"The overall objective of the EFCCA is to improve the quality of life of people living with IBD and to raise awareness of associated diseases," said Martin Kojinkov, Chairman of the EFCCA. "We are pleased to have the support of TiGenix in our ongoing initiatives and activities designed to improve the well-being of people with IBD in Europe."
TiGenix is currently developing Cx601 for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas.
The company has filed Cx601 for potential approval in Europe with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and anticipates a decision in the second half of 2017. In addition, on 13 June, TiGenix announced the launch of a global pivotal Phase III study to support a future regulatory filing in the US.
