Copenhagen, Denmark – December 4, 2024 – Antag Therapeutics, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on targeting the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) receptor to pioneernovel treatments for obesity and invested by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), today announced the closing of an €80 million Series A financing. The round was led by Versant Ventures, with participation from Novo Holdings, SR One, Dawn Biopharma, Pictet, Longview Ventures, and Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).
The funds will support the clinical development of AT-7687, a novel, once-weekly subcutaneous antagonist of the Glucose Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor (GIPR), and also fueling the expansion of Antag's pipeline of monthly injectable therapies.
Innovative Therapies Driving Breakthroughs in Obesity Treatment
GLP-1-based therapies have revolutionized obesity management, but for some patients can cause tolerability issues, loss of muscle mass, and suboptimal weight-loss. This highlights the need for complementary pharmacological approaches. The genetic basis for antagonizing GIPR is clear. Individuals with naturally occurring genetic GIPR variants that reduce its activity have lower BMI and body fat percentages, resulting in a leaner phenotype compared to those with normal GIPR function. The development of Antag's lead molecule is rooted in the groundbreaking identification of an endogenous GIPR antagonist by University of Copenhagen professors Jens Holst, renowned for his discovery of GLP-1, and Mette Rosenkilde. Both co-founded Antag and bring extensive expertise in incretin biology spanning decades. Professor Holst also chairs Antag's scientific advisory board.
The Advantages of AT-7687
AT-7687 is a peptide designed to be co-administrated with current or future obesity therapies including GLP-1 medicines to deliver superior weight loss and metabolic benefits. This flexibility in dosing provides multiple advantages over competing GIPR blockers such as antibodies directly conjugated to GLP-1. These include the ability to optimally drug each target for maximal efficacy and tolerability. In addition, AT-7687 also can be used as a single agent in the maintenance setting. In non-human primate studies, AT-7687 plus a GLP-1 produced best-in-industry weight loss. Furthermore, AT-7687 improved glycemic control and lipid profiles independent of weight changes. Importantly, these benefits were achieved without gastrointestinal side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently accepted Antag's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AT-7687, setting the stage for clinical development to begin early next year. The trials will explore the effects of AT-7687 as both a monotherapy and in combination with a GLP-1 receptor agonist in obese patients. Antag's pipeline also includes combinations beyond GLP-1 receptor agonists and a follow-on molecule that enables monthly administration.
"The backing of such a strong syndicate of global investors is a testament to our pioneering approach to developing novel therapies for patients with obesity," said Alexander Hovard Sparre-Ulrich, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Antag. "Coupled with our recent IND clearance, this investment allows us to accelerate the development of AT-7687 towards important clinical milestones. We believe our first-in-class peptide's weight loss profile and flexible dosing will be key drivers of differentiation."
About Antag Therapeutics
Antag Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering anddeveloping novel therapies for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases through GIP receptorantagonism. As a pioneer in exploring the potential of GIP receptor antagonists, the company isdedicated to advancing science and improving patient outcomes by delivering groundbreakingsolutions that address unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit https://antagtherapeutics.com.
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