Transpire Bio Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in inhaled therapeutics, has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Suzhou Intragrand Pharma Co., Ltd for ITG-1052, an investigational PDE4 inhibitor targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory conditions. The deal adds a new chemical entity to Transpire Bio's pipeline of innovative inhaled therapeutics.
Strategic Partnership Expands Inhaled Therapeutics Portfolio
Under the licensing agreement announced June 3, 2025, Intragrand has granted Transpire Bio exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize ITG-1052 in all territories except China. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"Utilizing business development, we are able to augment and complement our robust pipeline of inhaled therapeutics," said Dr. Xian-Ming Zeng, Chief Executive Officer of Transpire Bio. "Through this agreement, 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."
PDE4 Inhibitor Targets Respiratory Disease
ITG-1052, also known as lenamilast, represents a PDE4 inhibitor specifically designed for respiratory diseases. Dr. Joseph Zhu, founder and CEO of Suzhou Intragrand Pharma, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating: "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."
Suzhou Intragrand Pharma focuses on novel drug discovery and development for inflammation, fibrosis, and other diseases to address unmet clinical needs.
Addressing Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
The primary target indication, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), represents a significant unmet medical need. IPF is characterized as a progressive illness of the respiratory system, involving the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue associated with scar tissue formation. This chronic pulmonary fibrosis leads to a progressive and irreversible decline in lung function, as the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs becomes thick and stiff.
Inhaled Drug Delivery Expertise
Transpire Bio, headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, leverages its specialized expertise in inhaled drug delivery to develop treatments for serious diseases with limited therapeutic options. The company is advancing multiple proprietary inhalation technology platforms, including dry powder inhalers, soft-mist inhalers, and metered-dose inhalers.
The acquisition of ITG-1052 aligns with Transpire Bio's mission to improve patient lives by expanding access to important therapies through its inhaled drug delivery platforms, particularly for conditions where current therapeutic options remain significantly lacking.
