Even with the ever-changing situation, technological innovation is still the most critical component for biopharmaceutical companies' long-term development. This continuous innovation keeps companies up to date and promotes the evolution of R&D and the success of commercialization. Recently, Viva Biotech's portfolio companies have new updates. Keep reading for more details.

Antag Therapeutics Announces €80 Million Series A Financing

On 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), 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.

VivaVision Announces Positive Topline Results from U.S. Phase 2 Trial of VVN461 for the Treatment of Post-operative Inflammation Following Cataract Surgery

On December 3, 2024, VivaVision Biotech (VivaVision), invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), a clinical-stage, privately held biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for ocular diseases,  announced positive topline results from its U.S. Phase 2 clinical trial of VVN461-CS-201, a potent non-steroidal dual JAK1/TYK2 immunomodulator for the treatment of post-operative inflammation following cataract surgery.

The multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled study enrolled 91 subjects who underwent routine unilateral cataract extraction by phacoemulsification and lens replacement (CELR). Subjects were randomized into three groups (VVN461 1.0%, VVN461 0.5%, and vehicle) and received four doses daily (QID) for 14 days. VVN461 demonstrated statistical and clinical improvements across all primary and secondary endpoints compared to vehicle.

Previously, E-nitiateBio (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. ("E-nitiateBio"), a joint venture of Viva Vision invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), has entered into a significant licensing collaboration with Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry Co., Ltd. ("Joincare"). E-nitiateBio has licensed the development and commercialization rights for QY101 inhaler in China to Joincare, while E-nitiateBio will keep the rights for the external preparation, and the two parties will work together to promote the development and marketing of this innovative drug.

Apeiron Enrolls First Patient in Phase 1a/b Study of PRMT5 Inhibitor GTA182 for MTAP-Deleted Solid Tumors

On November 19, 2024, Apeiron Therapeutics, a precision oncology company invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), leveraging state-of-the-art structural biology and AI-guided molecular modeling for drug discovery, announced the enrollment of the first patient in its Phase 1a/b study to evaluate GTA182 for advanced solid tumors with MTAP deletions.

The trial is designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of GTA182 across multiple ascending doses, as a monotherapy and in combination with standard of care therapy, in adults with advanced MTAP null solid tumors.

Novel GCS Inhibitor of AceLink Therapeutics granted as “Breakthrough Therapy designation”

On November 1, 2024, the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) shows that, the Orphan Drug AL01211 of AceLink Therapeutics ("AceLink"), was granted “Breakthrough Therapy designation” for Fabry Disease.

AL01211 is a novel selective oral glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor. Two Phase 1 clinical trials of AL01211 in healthy subjects have been completed by AceLink in Australia and China. Both studies demonstrated that AL01211 was generally safe and well tolerated, with no serious adverse events observed at any dose level tested. AL01211 is currently carrying Phase 2 clinical study in patients with Fabry disease in China and the United States.

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.

About VivaVision Biotech
Founded in 2016, VivaVision Biotech is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing best-in-class therapies with additional investigational drug candidates for ocular diseases. The company's leading pipeline assets include:
VVN461: non-steroidal dual JAK1/TYK2 immunomodulator for post-operative inflammation after cataract surgery and non-infectious anterior uveitis
VVN001: an investigational treatment for dry eye syndrome
VVN1901: a therapy targeting neurotrophic keratitis
VVN481: a non-steroidal dual JAK1/TYK2 inhibitor for suprachoroidal delivery targeting treatment of posterior/pan-uveitis
In addition to its pipeline, VivaVision is actively engaged in the discovery and development of additional therapies for anterior and posterior segment eye diseases to address unmet patient needs. For more information, please visit www.vivavisionbio.com.

About E-nitiateBio
E-nitiateBio (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. is an innovative pharmaceutical company that focuses on innovative drugs for autoimmune diseases. The company is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and has set up a clinical center and a R&D center in Shanghai. The company has received investments from serval industrial capitals and institutions including Beda Fund, Shiji Investment and has entered into a strategic cooperation with Beda Pharmaceuticals to jointly promote the clinical translational development of the company's drugs.

About Apeiron
Apeiron is redefining medical discovery through the integration of artificial intelligence, streamlining the drug development process from target selection to clinical trials. With strategic locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Shanghai, Apeiron combines world-class talent and cutting-edge technologies from across the globe. We are committed to pushing the frontiers of biomedical innovation to create breakthrough therapies that address the most pressing unmet medical needs.

About AceLink Therapeutics, Inc.
Founded in 2018, AceLink Therapeutics is an innovative biopharma startup focusing on developing safe and effective medicines to address genetic diseases with high unmet needs. The company’s initial focus is to develop novel therapeutics for Fabry disease. For more information, please visit www.acelinktherapeutics.com.