In order to expand its rare gastrointestinal pipeline, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire VectivBio for an aggregate consideration of approximately US$1 B. Through the deal, Ironwood gains access to VectivBio’s Phase III glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue, apraglutide, for the treatment of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). The asset complements Ironwood’s marketed constipation drug, Linzess, and will be a welcome addition to the company’s pipeline after several setbacks in recent years.