Immunic Therapeutics is developing IMU-856, a compound that targets a transcriptional regulator of immune barrier function. Multiple studies have reported that the intestinal barrier declines with aging, a condition that leads to gut inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome, and Immunic intends to restore intestinal barrier integrity through its compound. Unlike other treatments for this condition, IMU-856 does not affect the immune system; rather, it restores the intestinal barrier itself by restoring tight junctions, which separate the surfaces of the intestinal villi from the underlying tissue.
Immunic completed a $45 million public offering in July 2021 to fund further development of its lead candidates, including IMU-856.