Calculus Capital portfolio company C4X Discovery Holdings Ltd (C4XD) has announced the selection of a potential best-in-class pre-clinical candidate from its oral α4β7 integrin inhibitor programme, aimed at treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD affects more than five million people worldwide and represents a market forecast to reach USD 47.7 billion by 2034. Current therapies often involve injections or infusions, but C4XD’s once-daily oral therapy offers a potentially more convenient treatment pathway for patients. The programme also incorporates a genetic biomarker of response, supporting more personalised treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Nick Ray, Chief Scientific Officer at C4X Discovery, commented:

“Advancing our oral α4β7 programme to candidate selection represents a significant scientific achievement and validates our discovery approach. With additional data from our PAD4 and TNFα programmes expected in the coming months, we’re progressing a focused pipeline targeting key pathways in immuno-inflammatory disease.”

CEO Emma Blaney added:

“C4XD has a strong track record of partnering pre-clinical programmes at various stages in the drug discovery process. We plan to continue partnering discussions for our α4β7 programme during the remainder of 2025 and expect to generate pivotal data on our other programmes in the coming weeks.”

Calculus Capital has backed C4X Discovery through our Funds and the Calculus VCT. This latest milestone demonstrates the value-creation potential of supporting innovative UK life sciences companies. Developments such as these not only position portfolio companies for strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms but also illustrate the calibre of scientific innovation that Calculus seeks to champion.

C4X Discovery continues to progress a high-value pipeline across immuno-inflammatory conditions, advancing best-in-class oral α4β7 and TNFα inhibitors alongside a first-in-class PAD4 programme. These candidates represent opportunities both as standalone therapies and in combination approaches.