Palisade Bio’s PALI-2108 Yields 63% UC Score Gain; $138M Runway Extends to 2029
Pali-2108 is an orally delivered once-daily PDE4 prodrug that releases in the distal gut, achieving 30% cyclic AMP increases and 63% modified Mayo score improvement in five UC patients. Management plans a UC IND in Q2, enrollment in Q3, an end-2027 top-line readout, says $138M financing funds runway into 2029.
1. PALI-2108 Mechanism and Phase 1 Results
PALI-2108 employs a glucuronidated prodrug design to remain gut-restricted until bacterial β-glucuronidase releases the active PDE4 inhibitor in the terminal ileum and colon. Phase 1a/1b studies demonstrated 30–40% cyclic AMP increases in UC patients and an open-label five-patient trial achieved 100% response, 63% modified Mayo score improvement and 40% remission.
2. UC and Crohn’s Development Plans
The company intends to file an IND for moderate-to-severe UC in Q2 and begin enrollment in Q3, targeting top-line data by late 2027. Palisade acknowledges enrollment challenges in UC trials and is partnering with experienced sites, while its ongoing Phase 1b study in fibrostenosing Crohn’s assesses drug levels, pharmacodynamics, patient-reported outcomes and tissue remodeling over two weeks.
3. Cash Position and Future Directions
Palisade closed a $138 million financing described as a re-IPO, providing funding for definitive UC and Crohn’s studies and extending cash runway into 2029. The company received investment from an IBD Ventures program, remains focused on UC, and is exploring additional indications such as IPF and COPD through tissue-based translational studies.