Transpire Bio Licenses Inhaled PDE4 Inhibitor for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment

Transpire Bio, a Florida-based pharmaceutical company, has entered into a licensing agreement with China's Intragrand Pharma for an inhaled PDE4 inhibitor, lenamilast (ITG-1052), as a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The deal, announced on June 3, 2025, grants Transpire Bio the ex-China rights to the drug, positioning the company to compete in the growing market for IPF therapies.

Lenamilast: A New Approach to IPF Treatment

Lenamilast, also known as ITG-1052, is an inhaled PDE4 inhibitor that targets the phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme. This mechanism of action is believed to drive both anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, making it a promising candidate for treating IPF, a progressive lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue.

The development of lenamilast as an inhaled therapy sets it apart from other PDE4 inhibitors in development, such as Boehringer Ingelheim's oral candidate, nerandomilast. Xian-Ming Zeng, Ph.D., CEO of Transpire Bio, emphasized the company's expertise in this area, stating, "We aim to utilize our vast expertise in developing inhaled therapeutics to progress ITG-1052 as a best-in-class inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other indications."

Competitive Landscape and Market Implications

The licensing of lenamilast puts Transpire Bio in direct competition with industry giant Boehringer Ingelheim, which has already reported positive phase 3 results for its oral PDE4 inhibitor, nerandomilast, in IPF and a related lung disease. This move reflects the growing interest in PDE4 inhibitors as a therapeutic approach for various inflammatory and fibrotic conditions.

Joseph Zhu, CEO of Intragrand Pharma, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting, "We are pleased to announce the in-license of lenamilast (ITG-1052), our PDE4 inhibitor for respiratory diseases, by Transpire Bio, a company with unparalleled leadership and expertise in the development and commercialization of inhaled therapeutics."

Transpire Bio's Expanding Respiratory Pipeline

The addition of lenamilast complements Transpire Bio's existing respiratory pipeline, which includes TRB-1 and TRB-2, being developed in collaboration with CDMO Recipharm for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This strategic expansion through business development aligns with the company's focus on inhaled therapeutics for respiratory conditions.

While financial details of the licensing agreement were not disclosed, the deal represents a significant step for Transpire Bio in strengthening its position in the respiratory disease market. As the company progresses with the development of lenamilast, the pharmaceutical industry will be watching closely to see how this inhaled PDE4 inhibitor performs in clinical trials and potentially reshapes the treatment landscape for IPF.