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Nestlé and IdB Holding S.p.A. Enter Into Licensing Agreement for VOWST® in Europe
Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in the science of nutrition, and IdB Holding S.p.A. (IdB), a global leader in the production of high potent active pharmaceutical ingredients for the pharmaceutical and the health food industries, today announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement to develop and, subject to regulatory approval by the European Medicines Agency, commercialize VOWST® (fecal microbiota spores, live–brpk) for patients in Europe.
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Collaboration aims to expand access for European patients to prevent recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), a potentially life-threatening disease with limited treatment options, subject to regulatory approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) BRIDGEWATER, N.J., May 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé Health Science, a global leader in the science of nutrition, and IdB Holding S.p.A. (IdB), a global leader in the production of high potent active pharmaceutical ingredients for the pharmaceutical and the health food industries, today announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement to develop and, subject to regulatory approval by the European Medicines Agency, commercialize VOWST® (fecal microbiota spores, live–brpk) for patients in Europe. VOWST is currently approved only in the United States. It is an orally administered live biotherapeutic product (LBP) indicated in the United States to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) in individuals 18 years of age and older following antibacterial treatment for rCDI. Under the agreement, the parties will work jointly to pursue regulatory approval in Europe, with IdB obtaining rights to commercialize VOWST across European markets, subject to such approval. The collaboration aims to expand European patients' access to VOWST for rCDI, a potentially life-threatening infection that can be difficult to manage with limited treatment options. It also marks the beginning of planned clinical and regulatory activities to support its potential approval. "This agreement reflects the strength of VOWST and the confidence we have in its clinical foundation and long‑term potential," said Luis Briz, President, Professional Health, Nestlé Health Science. "Collaborating with IdB Holding S.p.A. represents a meaningful step toward bringing this innovative therapy to European patients. We look forward to working together through the regulatory approval process, with a continued focus on patients who may benefit from a potential new preventive treatment option." IdB is a privately owned Italian life sciences group headquartered in Milan, with longstanding experience in pharmaceutical development and commercialization across Europe and other markets. The group includes two operating companies: Indena, which has a global presence spanning Italy, France, the U...