Vedanta Ends UC Program After Phase II Failure, Refocuses Pipeline

Vedanta Biosciences has announced the discontinuation of its ulcerative colitis (UC) program following the failure of its oral microbiome therapy, VE202, in a Phase II trial. The therapy did not meet its primary endpoint of improving endoscopic response in patients with mild-to-moderate UC, leading the company to also reduce its workforce by 20%.

Despite the setback, Vedanta will shift focus to its lead candidate VE303, which is currently in a Phase III registrational trial for the prevention of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). Earlier studies demonstrated strong efficacy, with an 80% reduction in recurrence risk.

The company is also advancing VE707, targeting multi-drug-resistant infections, with an IND submission planned for H1 2026. While the UC market remains competitive with multiple biologics and emerging therapies, Vedanta aims to position VE303 as the first approved live biotherapeutic addressing a significant unmet need.

14-08-2025