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Processa Pharmaceuticals acquired Vidya Therapeutics, and will continue advancing VT-7208, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor therapy for immune-mediated diseases.
The U.S. FDA cleared VT-7208’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase II study in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). CSU, a chronic inflammatory disease, causes recurrent hives, swelling, or both, without an identifiable external trigger.
While announcing this transaction, Processa also said it entered a research collaboration and exclusive option agreement with Generian Pharmaceuticals. This will advance a novel oral macrocyclic peptide-based neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist program. Processa hopes the move will further expand its pipeline in immunology.
Vidya Founder Stays on Board
Finally, Sheila Gujrathi, MD, is appointed Executive Chair of the Board of Directors for Processa. Gujrathi founded Vidya Therapeutics and has been on Processa’s board since announcement of the acquisition in June.
“Since the Vidya transaction, we have made great progress in executing our strategy,” Gujrathi said. “The FDA clearance of the CSU IND is an exciting step toward advancing VT-7208 across three planned Phase 2 programs. At the same time, the Generian collaboration expands our pipeline around another high-value, clinically validated immune target. With funding in place to support these programs, our focus is on disciplined execution and generating [needed] data.”
Processa’s Plans Through End of Decade
VT-7208, a next-generation, once-daily oral BTK inhibitor, penetrates the central nervous system. Processa plans to advance it across three Phase II proof-of-concept programs. This means not only CSU, but also food allergy and relapsing multiple sclerosis.
The Vidya acquisition got an approximately $200 million private placement from, according to Processa, “leading institutional healthcare investors.” Processa expects these and other cash resources to support operations at least into the second half of 2029.