Intract Pharma
Intract Pharma is a London-based oral drug delivery licensing company that develops proprietary colon-targeting (Phloral®) and oral biologics-delivery (Soteria®) platforms for pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, monetising through upfronts, milestones and royalties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Intract Pharma does
Intract Pharma Ltd is a UK-based oral drug delivery licensing and product development company founded in 2015 as a spin-out from University College London's School of Pharmacy, where founder Prof. Abdul Basit led more than 20 years of research in gastrointestinal drug delivery. The company's core offerings are two proprietary platform technologies: Phloral®, a dual-trigger enteric coating that combines pH-sensitive and bacterially (enzyme) triggered release mechanisms to deliver drugs to the colon; and Soteria®, which enables monoclonal antibodies, peptides and proteins to be administered orally as tablets or capsules by protecting them from enzymatic degradation and enhancing uptake into colonic tissue. Supporting scientific services include the patented Auto pH System™-driven Dynamic Dissolution Model and a suite of GI Stability and Permeability Models using human and animal biological fluids, plus complementary release technologies (Duocoat®, ProRelease®).
The commercial model is B2B technology licensing and collaborative preclinical R&D. Intract licenses Phloral® and Soteria® to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, retaining upfront fees, development and regulatory milestone payments, and mid-single-digit royalties on net sales; the firm also leads preclinical formulation work for partners under fee-for-service research agreements. Customers include Tillotts Pharma AG (commercialised Yaldigo/Asacol 1600 with Phloral® in 2019), Tharimmune (global exclusive license for oral infliximab INT-023/TH023, $200M+ in potential milestones), Celltrion (oral infliximab, MHRA Phase 1b/2a cleared), Bio-Thera Solutions, Elasmogen, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co., Bio-Sourcing, Neopharma Japan, NIBEC, and N&S Pharmacy Investment, with grant funding from Innovate UK, the EPSRC and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Geographically the firm serves partners across Europe (UK, Switzerland, Germany), North America and the Asia-Pacific region (South Korea, China, Japan, MENA). In September 2024 Intract signed a nonbinding letter of intent to merge with Tharimmune, under which Intract shareholders would hold 49% of the combined entity; closing was anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. The firm is privately held, employs 1–10 staff and is operated from a 1,500 sq ft combined lab/office suite at the London Bioscience Innovation Centre.
Intract Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Intract Pharma
- Legal name
- Intract Pharma Ltd
- Website
- https://intractpharma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Intract Pharma is a London-based oral drug delivery licensing company that develops proprietary colon-targeting (Phloral®) and oral biologics-delivery (Soteria®) platforms for pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, monetising through upfronts, milestones and royalties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Intract Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Oral Drug Delivery Technologies
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solid-State Chemistry & Preformulation (Polymorph/Crystallization) (HLAGAHAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Small-Molecule CMC Documentation & Regulatory Support (DMF/CMC) (HLAGAHAM), Gastroenterology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAE)
Keywords
Where Intract Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Intract Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing: Licensing of proprietary technologies (Phloral®, Soteria®) to pharmaceutical partners for development and commercialization of oral biologic products. Receives upfront payments, development milestones, regulatory milestones, and commercial royalties (mid-single digit royalties on net product sales).
- Collaborative Research & Development: Research collaboration agreements where Intract leads preclinical research while partners provide funding, drug materials, and later handle manufacturing and commercialization. Receives technology access fees, milestone payments, and tiered royalties.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Intract Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Intract Pharma develops and licenses proprietary oral drug delivery technology platforms that allow biopharmaceutical drugs — including monoclonal antibodies, peptides and proteins — to be administered as tablets or capsules and released at targeted gastrointestinal sites (notably the colon). Its commercial core offerings are the Phloral® dual-trigger enteric coating and the Soteria® oral biologics platform, supported by proprietary GI testing services (Dynamic Dissolution Model and Gastrointestinal Stability/Permeability Models) and enabling release technologies (Duocoat®, ProRelease®, Auto pH System™). Revenue is generated by licensing these technologies to pharma/biotech partners and through collaborative R&D agreements, earning upfront payments, development and regulatory milestones, and royalties.
Product overview
Intract Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company offering a platform of oral drug delivery technologies centered around two core proprietary technologies: Phloral® (the world's only dual-trigger enteric coating technology combining pH and bacterial enzyme triggers for guaranteed colon delivery) and Soteria® (a revolutionary technology enabling oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals including monoclonal antibodies as tablets/capsules). These core technologies are supported by proprietary GI testing services including the Dynamic Dissolution Model and GI Stability/Permeability Models, plus additional release technologies (Duocoat®, ProRelease®) and the patented Auto pH System™. The platform enables precise targeting of drugs to the colon while protecting biologics from enzymatic breakdown, allowing tissue or systemic uptake.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Phloral® Dual-trigger enteric coating technology that combines gastrointestinal pH changes with the enzymatic activity of colonic microbiota as independent but complementary release mechanisms to guarantee site-specific release of drugs in the colon. Licensed to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for formulation of colon-targeted therapeutics, including the commercialized Yaldigo®/Asacol 1600 (mesalazine) for ulcerative colitis.
- Soteria® Technology enabling oral delivery of biopharmaceutical drugs including monoclonal antibodies, peptides and proteins as tablets or capsules. Protects the biologic from enzymatic degradation in the GI tract while enhancing uptake into colon tissue, then uses Phloral® coating for colon targeting. Licensed to pharma/biotech partners (Bio-Thera Solutions, Celltrion, Tharimmune, Elasmogen, Ferring) for development of oral antibody and peptide therapeutics, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune indications.
- Dynamic Dissolution Model Advanced bio-relevant in vitro dissolution testing service incorporating bicarbonate-based media controlled by a patented Auto pH System™ to simulate the dynamic pH and transit environment of the GI tract. Provided to pharmaceutical and biotech partners for formulation development and IVIVIC analysis.
- Gastrointestinal Stability and Permeability Models In vitro and ex vivo gastrointestinal modeling services using human and animal GI fluids and tissues to evaluate drug solubility, stability, localization and permeation throughout gastric, small intestinal and colon compartments. Used to support formulation development under Phloral® and Soteria® programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 88% per-protocol efficacy demonstrated with Phloral®-coated microbial therapeutic (FIN-403) in dose-finding study with 26 patients
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Intract Pharma
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Intract Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Intract Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TharimmunecoreTharimmune acquired global exclusive license (outside South Korea) to Intract's Soteria® and Phloral® delivery platform for INT-023/TH023, an oral anti-TNFα mAb (infliximab) for autoimmune diseases. Intract received single-digit million upfront payment and is eligible for $200M+ in milestones plus mid-single digit royalties. Tharimmune also has option for up to four additional targets. September 2024 LOI announced for merger with Tharimmune.
- Bio-SourcingcoreAB-BIOBETTER project - €3.4M EU-funded program (€1.9M from EUREKA Eurostars) to develop oral formulation of adalimumab for IBD. Bio-Sourcing leads with BioMilk platform for antibody production; Intract provides delivery and stabilization technologies. Three-year project aims for IND-enabling studies.
- CiloaminorFrench preclinical biotech contributing extracellular vesicle bioengineering expertise for oral administration of antibody therapeutics in AB-BIOBETTER project.
- Merck & Co.corePublication of pre-clinical proof-of-concept study on colon targeted delivery of JAK inhibitor tofacitinib using Phloral® technology. 3-year collaboration demonstrated enhanced tissue PK and reduced systemic PK leading to superior IL6 downregulation in rat colitis model.
- ElasmogencoreGlobal license agreement giving Elasmogen exclusive access to Soteria® and Phloral® for oral colonic delivery of soloMER™ protein therapeutics for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Builds on 2020 research collaboration. Intract receives undisclosed upfront, milestones, and royalties. Elasmogen can expand for four additional targets.
- Bio-Thera SolutionscoreGlobal collaboration and license agreement granting Bio-Thera worldwide license to Intract's oral biologics delivery platform for single undisclosed mAb product for chronic GI inflammatory diseases. Intract leads preclinical research; Bio-Thera handles manufacturing and commercialization. Intract receives undisclosed upfront, milestones, and royalties.
- NIBECminorResearch collaboration to evaluate Intract's oral biologics delivery platform for developing oral dual-targeting peptide therapeutic (NIPEP-IBD) for ulcerative colitis. Intract optimizes intestinal stability and tissue uptake.
- Ferring PharmaceuticalscoreResearch collaboration to investigate oral delivery of undisclosed interleukin-targeting mAb for IBD using Phloral® and Soteria® technologies for precision oral delivery directly to GI tissue.
- Celltrion GroupcoreJoint development agreement for world's first oral antibody therapeutic for IBD (oral infliximab). Intract leads development; Celltrion supplies drug material and retains right to complete clinical development after Phase 2. Product cleared for Phase 1b/2a trials in IBD patients by UK MHRA.
- N&S Pharmacy InvestmentminorPartnership to develop orally-delivered GLP-1R agonist peptide for metabolic diseases. N&S Pharmacy funds feasibility studies with exclusive option to global royalty-based license. HEC Group involved in later pre-clinical/clinical development in China.
- ElasmogenminorInitial research collaboration to discover and develop novel orally-delivered protein therapeutics combining Elasmogen's soloMER™ technology with Intract's Soteria® and Phloral® for GI indications.
- Carus Animal HealthminorAgreement to develop Intract's drug delivery technologies for veterinary market for treatment of companion animals. Carus is UK company with parent Kyoritsu Seiyaku (Japan, #11 global animal health).
- Neopharma JapanminorCollaboration to develop novel therapeutic product for GI diseases using Intract's proprietary drug delivery technologies. Neopharma is subsidiary of Neopharma UAE (largest pharma in MENA region, 50+ countries).
- Tillotts Pharma AGcorePhloral® technology licensed to Tillotts for use with mesalazine. First Phloral® colon-targeting product Yaldigo®/Asacol 1600 launched for ulcerative colitis treatment - landmark validation of technology.
- Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)minorPart of Innovate UK consortium for developing scalable manufacturing process for oral antibody products using Soteria® technology.
- PharmidexminorPart of Innovate UK consortium providing drug development and manufacture expertise.
- Quay PharmaceuticalsminorPart of Innovate UK consortium providing formulation and analytical development expertise for scalable manufacturing.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Intract Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Entera Bio: Clinical-stage company developing oral formulations of peptides and large molecules (e.g., oral PTH, GLP-1) — a directly comparable oral-biologics delivery business pursuing the same licensing/partnering playbook as Intract.
- Rani Therapeutics: Developer of an oral 'robotic pill' (RaniPill) for systemic delivery of biologics including peptides, proteins and antibodies — a head-to-head technical alternative to Intract's Soteria® approach aimed at the same pharmaceutical partners.
- Applied Molecular Transport: Biotech developing oral biologics using a proprietary technology platform, with lead programs in IBD and other GI indications — same therapeutic focus (GI) and same oral-biologics platform-licensing model as Intract.
Broad incumbents
- Catalent: Global CDMO with deep oral drug delivery and softgel/Zydis formulation capabilities frequently used by pharma for colon-targeted and modified-release products — competes for the same partner-funded formulation development work Intract services.
- Lonza (Capsugel): Large-scale CDMO offering oral drug delivery technologies, encapsulation and bioavailability enhancement; the broader incumbent that sponsors evaluate when scouting oral-formulation partners alongside Intract.
- Evonik (Health Care): CDMO with EUDRACAP®, EUDRAGIT® and other oral-functional excipient/platform technologies used by pharma for enteric and colonic delivery — overlaps with Intract's Phloral® dual-trigger coating positioning.
Emerging players
- Lyndra Therapeutics: Developer of oral once-weekly sustained-release dosage forms for oral peptides and small molecules — adjacent oral-drug-delivery platform addressing the same patient-compliance thesis (replace frequent dosing/injections with oral formulations).
Others
- Bioreliance (Merck BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions): Merck's biopharmaceutical testing/services arm — relevant context because Intract has published pre-clinical work with Merck on colon-targeted tofacitinib; Intract sits as a niche complement/competitor rather than a substitute for Merck's broader services.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Intract Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceIntract Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Intract Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Intract Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Intract Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Intract Pharma
What does Intract Pharma do?
Intract Pharma develops and licenses proprietary oral drug delivery technology platforms that allow biopharmaceutical drugs — including monoclonal antibodies, peptides and proteins — to be administered as tablets or capsules and released at targeted gastrointestinal sites (notably the colon). Its commercial core offerings are the Phloral® dual-trigger enteric coating and the Soteria® oral biologics platform, supported by proprietary GI testing services (Dynamic Dissolution Model and Gastrointestinal Stability/Permeability Models) and enabling release technologies (Duocoat®, ProRelease®, Auto pH System™). Revenue is generated by licensing these technologies to pharma/biotech partners and through collaborative R&D agreements, earning upfront payments, development and regulatory milestones, and royalties.
Is Intract Pharma a public or private company?
Intract Pharma is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Intract Pharma founded?
Intract Pharma was founded in 2015. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Intract Pharma based?
Intract Pharma is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Intract Pharma make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Technology Licensing is the primary driver. The others are collaborative Research & Development.
Who are Intract Pharma's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Entera Bio, Rani Therapeutics and Applied Molecular Transport. Broad incumbents are Catalent, Lonza (Capsugel) and Evonik (Health Care). Lyndra Therapeutics is listed as an emerging player. Bioreliance (Merck BioReliance® End-to-End Solutions) is listed as an others.
Does Intract Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Intract Pharma.
What industry is Intract Pharma in?
Intract Pharma's product category is Oral Drug Delivery Technologies. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAHAI, Solid-State Chemistry & Preformulation (Polymorph/Crystallization), with a secondary code of HLAGAHAM, Small-Molecule CMC Documentation & Regulatory Support (DMF/CMC). Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.