Glasgow-based microbiome therapeutics company EnteroBiotix has raised £19 million to advance its lead candidate, EBX-102-02, into Phase 2b development for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). The funds will support what the company describes as one of the largest interventional clinical trials of a full-spectrum microbiome product, and the largest ever to be conducted in IBS. The financing was led by experienced life science investor Thairm Bio and the Scottish National Investment Bank, with participation from new and existing investors. EnteroBiotix said the investment underscores growing confidence in EBX-102-02 as a first-in-class, potentially disease-modifying therapy for IBS-C, a condition with significant unmet medical need.
Following the positive outcome of its Phase 2a TrIuMPH trial in 122 patients with IBS with constipation or diarrhoea, which demonstrated clear efficacy signals of EBX-102-02 over placebo across key endpoints, the company is now set to initiate the next stage of clinical development. Dr James McIlroy, CEO, EnteroBiotix, commented: “Following the positive outcome of our Phase 2a TrIuMPH trial, which demonstrated clear efficacy signals of EBX-102-02 over placebo across key endpoints in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or diarrhoea, we are now commencing the largest ever full-spectrum microbiome therapeutic trial in IBS. The Phase 2b trial named ‘Restoring Intestinal Symbiosis for Efficacy in IBS’ RISE trial is designed to confirm the earlier signal observed and position EBX-102-02 as a potential first disease-modifying therapy for IBS-C, a highly debilitating condition that is estimated to affect over 10 million people in the USA and Europe , and where unmet need has persisted for decades.” Dosing of the first patient in the RISE trial is anticipated in Q2 2026, with topline efficacy data expected in the second half of 2027.
RISE trial anchors expanding Glasgow microbiome cluster
The Phase 2b RISE trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled interventional study that will enrol approximately 300 patients with moderate-to-severe IBS-C across sites in the UK. EnteroBiotix says the trial ranks among the largest ever conducted with a full-spectrum microbiome therapeutic in IBS, reflecting both the ambition of the programme and the growing body of evidence supporting the gut microbiome as a tractable target in functional gastrointestinal disorders. The study is positioned as the cornerstone of the company’s broader strategy to build a differentiated pipeline in high-value gastrointestinal indications associated with significant unmet medical need.
Signal deal for Scotland’s life sciences growth plans
The transaction also comes as Scotland seeks to accelerate the growth of its life sciences sector, with national strategies targeting multi-billion-pound expansion over the next decade. Public and mission-led investors such as the Scottish National Investment Bank are increasingly active in backing scaling health and life sciences companies, using direct investments to anchor later-stage rounds and support the development of specialist clusters around cities like Glasgow. By enabling one of the largest interventional microbiome trials in IBS to be run from a Scottish base, the EnteroBiotix financing offers a high-profile example of how domestic capital and global clinical ambition are starting to align within Scotland’s life sciences ecosystem.
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