According to findings published by Regeneron in peer-reviewed journal Science, GPR75 has been discovered to have potential in treating obesity and its related co-morbidities. The partnership will build on the discovery of rare genetic mutations in the GPR75 gene associated with protection against obesity.

Regeneron’s research of nearly 650,000 people found that individuals with at least one inactive copy of the GPR75 gene had lower body mass index (BMI) and on average tended to weigh about 12 pounds less and faced a 54% lower risk of obesity than those without the mutation.

"We are pleased to announce this important collaboration with Regeneron to identify small molecule modulators against GPR75, a newly identified target with genetic validation in metabolic disorders. Obesity and insulin resistance remain key drivers in the development of type 2 diabetes and areas of significant unmet medical need," said Mene Pangalos, executive vice president, biopharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca.

Obesity is associated with many serious health complications and drives organ dysfunction, including in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. According to Regeneron, the prevalence of obesity has more than tripled worldwide since 1975, with an estimated 650 million adults currently living with the condition.

The companies will evenly split R&D costs and share equally in any future potential profits.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist