Earlier this month, Nestlé Health Science announced an agreement to acquire global rights to Vowst from Seres Therapeutics, Inc, subject to Seres' shareholder approval. The acquisition will grant Nestlé full control over the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of Vowst worldwide.1
Since its launch in June 2023, Nestlé has been commercializing Vowst (fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk) in the United States. This FDA-approved, orally administered microbiota-based therapy is designed to prevent the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults following antibacterial treatment for recurrent CDI (rCDI), a gastrointestinal infection linked to dysbiosis of the microbiome, and associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and a substantial healthcare burden, with average annual costs per patient around $43,000.1
In an interview with Contagion, Moreno Perugini, president of medical nutrition and pharma at Nestlé Health Science discusses how the acquisition will influence the future development and commercialization strategy for Vowst, “This acquisition is our commitment to ensuring that the product remains available to those who can benefit from it. Vowst is an FDA-approved product that’s proven to be successful in the market and the product fully fits within our expertise in the GI therapeutic area. We will continue exploring opportunities to further develop the asset in other indications as well as other geographies.”
The deal is expected to close within 90 days, pending approval from Seres shareholders. Nestlé Health Science aims to further develop Vowst and enhance its availability to patients in need.1
Main Takeaways
- Nestlé Health Science is set to acquire the global rights to Vowst from Seres Therapeutics, giving it full control over the product's worldwide development and commercialization.
- Vowst has been successfully marketed in the US since June 2023 and fits within Nestlé's expertise in gastrointestinal treatments.
- The acquisition includes a focus on maintaining Vowst’s safety and efficacy, with plans to further develop the product and expand its availability globally while addressing potential safety concerns.
There are anticipated benefits of Nestlé's expertise and resources for the Vowst product and its availability to patients, “With our Pharma portfolio focused in gastro-intestinal disorders, we can further leverage our commercial footprint and expertise to continue raising awareness on the impact of rCDI. Since its launch, we observed increased interest from the broader healthcare community in safe and effective solutions to alleviate the burden of rCDI,” Perugini states.
Although, it is important to remember that Vowst is indicated for preventing the recurrence of CDI in individuals aged 18 and older following antibacterial treatment for rCDI, and is not intended for the treatment of CDI.1
Saftey Information
Vowst is derived from human fecal matter, which may pose a risk of transmitting infectious agents. Vowst may also contain food allergens, though the risk of adverse reactions is not fully known. Common adverse reactions (reported in 5% or more of participants) include abdominal distension (31.1%), fatigue (22.2%), constipation (14.4%), chills (11.1%), and diarrhea (10.0%). VOWST should not be administered concurrently with antibacterials.1
To address safety concerns, Perugini states, “At Nestlé Health Science, the safety, quality and efficacy of our products are of utmost importance and priority: patients first! We remain confident in the safety and efficacy of Vowst, as demonstrated in the clinical data, and will continue to closely monitor any potential future risks.”
In June 2024, Nestlé bought Vowst,2 but this new agreement grants Nestlé full control over Vowst’s development, manufacturing, and distribution worldwide. This shift from a regional to a global scope reflects a broader strategic approach, enabling Nestlé to manage Vowst on an international level and integrate it into its global operations. This transition illustrates Nestlé's move from a market-specific acquisition to a comprehensive, global management strategy for Vowst.
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