Stoked Bio Acquires Exclusive Global License for Promising Crohn's Disease Therapy
HAMILTON, Ontario – In a significant development for the biotechnology sector, Stoked Bio Inc., a Canadian company specializing in novel anti-infectives and cancer therapeutics, has secured an exclusive global license from McMaster University for the patents covering Enterololin. This promising narrow-spectrum antibiotic is now positioned as a potential therapeutic for conditions including Crohn's disease, marking a pivotal advancement in targeted antibiotic development.
AI-Assisted Discovery Accelerates Development Timeline
The discovery of Enterololin originated in the laboratory of Dr. Jon Stokes at McMaster University, with recent findings published in Nature Microbiology. What sets this development apart is the innovative use of artificial intelligence tools in collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These AI applications rapidly predicted the compound's mechanism of action, substantially shortening what would typically be an extensive experimental bottleneck and de-risking early development decisions.
Jeff Skinner, CEO of Stoked Bio, emphasized the importance of this milestone: "This license agreement represents a crucial step in our mission to discover new therapeutics for critical diseases. Enterololin was identified through a biology-first approach and eliminates bacteria through a novel mechanism, positioning it as an important future therapeutic option. We are dedicated to advancing this compound through development to enhance patient outcomes."
Targeted Approach to Crohn's Disease Treatment
Enterololin operates through a selective mechanism that specifically targets adherent-invasive E. coli, a pathogenic bacterium strongly implicated in Crohn's disease pathology. This precision targeting offers the potential to avoid the broad microbiome disruption characteristic of many conventional antibiotics. The human microbiome – comprising all bacteria living on and within our bodies – is increasingly recognized as a vital contributor to overall health. By selectively eliminating a key pathogen while minimizing collateral damage to beneficial gut microbes, Enterololin presents substantial opportunities to improve care for patients suffering from Crohn's disease.
Academic-Industry Collaboration Drives Innovation
Dr. Jon Stokes expressed enthusiasm about the transition from academic discovery to commercial development: "We're excited to see Enterololin move into the hands of a company committed to transforming academic discoveries into viable medicines. This license ensures continuity between laboratory research and clinical application while maintaining a close research collaboration between McMaster University and Stoked Bio."
Under the licensing agreement, Stoked Bio has obtained comprehensive global rights to the patents and related data covering Enterololin. The company will assume responsibility for further development, regulatory strategy, and eventual commercialization. McMaster University retains an ongoing relationship with Stoked Bio that includes scientific collaboration and standard academic licensing terms designed to support both translational progress and academic stewardship of the discovery.
About the Stokes Laboratory at McMaster University
The Stokes laboratory, operating within the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, specializes in antibiotic research and mechanisms of host-microbe interaction. Their discovery of Enterololin and the accompanying AI-assisted mechanistic work were published in Nature Microbiology and received coverage in both Canadian and international media outlets. This research represents a significant contribution to the growing field of precision antibiotics and targeted therapeutic approaches for complex diseases.
