Anagram Therapeutics

About Anagram Therapeutics

Anagram Therapeutics, formerly known as Synspira Therapeutics, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2017. The firm rebranded in April 2023 to concentrate its expertise on developing orally-delivered enzyme replacement therapies. This strategic shift involved spinning out its pulmonary program into a separate, unaffiliated entity to sharpen its focus on gastrointestinal diseases. Anagram is headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, and operates as a private entity.

The company was co-founded by Dr. Alexey Margolin, an experienced biotech entrepreneur who serves as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Margolin has a track record of founding and leading several biotech companies focused on rare and metabolic diseases, including Alnara Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Eli Lilly) and Alcresta Therapeutics. The leadership team includes President and CEO Robert Gallotto, who brings 35 years of experience in building companies in the cystic fibrosis and rare disease sectors. The company's scientific direction has been shaped by individuals like Dr. Shenda Baker, a co-inventor of its technology with a deep background in polymer chemistry and materials science.

Anagram's business model is centered on the research and development of novel enzyme therapeutics for individuals with malabsorption syndromes and nutrient metabolism disorders. These conditions, often linked to cystic fibrosis (CF) or other rare diseases, prevent the body from properly digesting and absorbing essential nutrients like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The company's revenue generation will depend on the successful clinical development and commercialization of its product pipeline. It actively seeks partnerships with venture investors to fund its R&D efforts. A significant financial and strategic partner is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which has committed up to $35.9 million through its venture philanthropy model to de-risk the development of Anagram's therapies.

The company's lead product candidate is ANG003, a broad-spectrum, orally-delivered enzyme replacement therapy currently in clinical trials for treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in people with cystic fibrosis. Unlike many existing treatments derived from porcine sources, ANG003 is a non-animal-derived combination of lipase, protease, and amylase. This formulation is designed to improve the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, potentially reducing the pill burden for patients from multiple capsules to a single dose per meal. ANG003 is available as a tablet or as granules that can be mixed with food, offering a more convenient administration option. Anagram's pipeline also includes earlier-stage candidates like ANG011, ANG021, and ANG031, which target various congenital and malabsorptive syndromes.