AbbVie Teams up with Gubra to Develop Obesity Treatment
The US pharmaceutical giant AbbVie and Danish biotechnology company Gubra, specializing in preclinical contract research services and peptide-based drug discovery within metabolic and fibrotic diseases, signed a license agreement to develop GUB014295, a potential best-in-class, long-acting amylin analog for the treatment of obesity.
GUB014295 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial. A potential long-acting amylin analog, the compound is an agonist that specifically activates amylin and calcitonin receptors. Amylin, a satiety hormone, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity given its role in activating signals to the brain that result in appetite suppression and the reduction of food intake, while also acting as an inhibitory signal to delay gastric emptying.
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will lead development and commercialization activities of GUB014295 globally. Gubra will receive $350 million in total upfront payment and will be eligible to receive up to $1.875 billion in development, commercial and sales milestone payments with tiered royalties on global net sales, the companies said. The transaction closure is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
"At AbbVie, we are focused on transforming the future of patient care in areas where significant unmet need persists," said Robert A. Michael, AbbVie’s CEO. "Our partnership with Gubra marks our entry into the obesity field, offering a compelling opportunity based on the potential to address patient needs while also fostering long-term growth for our company."
Henrik Blou, CEO of Gubra, added: "This collaboration between Gubra and AbbVie will accelerate the development of GUB014295 and build on the promising data shown in its Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) trial."
"Obesity represents a significant global health concern with nearly 900 million adults with obesity, many of whom struggle to stay on current treatment options," said Roopal Thakkar, executive vice president, research & development and chief scientific officer at AbbVie.
