Palisade Bio, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to LB1148 for the acceleration of time to return of bowel function following surgery. LB1148, is a broad-spectrum serine protease inhibitor which acts to neutralize digestive enzymes, with the potential to both reduce abdominal adhesions and accelerate the return of bowel function following gastrointestinal surgery. By inhibiting the activity of digestive proteases, the Company believes that LB1148 has the potential to reduce the formation of adhesions in GI tissues and potentially accelerate the time to the return of normal GI function.

According to the FDA, Fast Track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fulfill an unmet medical need. A therapeutic candidate that receives Fast Track designation is eligible for more frequent interactions with the FDA to discuss the candidate's development plan and, if relevant criteria are met, eligibility for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review.