Troubled by recent clinical disappointments, First Wave will combine with ImmunogenX to focus on that company’s Phase III-ready enzyme replacement therapy for celiac disease. A deep-pocketed partner waits in the wings.

First Wave is licensing Sanofi’s 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist capeserod and is having to pay a mere $500,000 in upfront fees for the privilege.

The US firm’s lead gastrointestinal asset has missed the mark in a mid-stage exocrine pancreatic insufficiency trial in cystic fibrosis patients despite its best efforts to enhance the formulation after two prior setbacks.

At Digestive Disease Week, Celltrion will seek to strengthen its hold on the IBD market, Ironwood hopes to expand Linzess into pediatric functional constipation, and competitors will showcase competing short bowel syndrome treatment and colorectal cancer companion diagnostics.