Tranzyme Pharma
Based: Research Triangle Park, NC
Founded: 1999
www.tranzyme.com 

Bottom line: Sticking with the program. 

What we said: Tranzyme Pharma's researchers believe they're on track to develop a small molecule ghrelin agonist that can promote upper gastrointestinal motility in post operative ileus. Essentially, they hope to restart the digestive process. In just a matter of weeks, Tranzyme posted preclinical animal data that supports their program, completed a $32 million financing round and laid the groundwork for an IND at the end of this year, just after a Phase I trial is scheduled to start. In the lead-up to the Fierce 15 deadline, Tranzyme was ecstatic that new research showed that their ghrelin agonist did not produce human growth hormone. If it did, the compound would have more limited therapeutic uses. By showing the absence of growth hormone release, researchers were buzzing about the compound's high specificity, with abilities to bind tighter and offer greater therapeutic efficacy.

What happened: This year Tranzyme scheduled a Phase III trial to put TZP-101 to the test for postoperative ileus, and expects to complete a Phase II trial with TZP-102 for the treatment of gastroparesis. Last July TZP-102 won the FDA's fast track status for the treatment of gastroparesis in diabetic patients. And in May Tranzyme unveiled positive Phase II data for TZP-101 (for postoperative ileus) at the annual meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Positive Phase IIb data for TZP-101 was released in the fall of October, 2008. The primary study endpoint was time to first bowel movement. Tranzyme raised $20 million in 2007. But a partnership it hoped would be inked for its lead program by Phase IIa has failed to materialize - so far. That deal is still up for grabs.