Amylyx and Gubra: Advancing GLP-1 Therapeutics
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals has announced a strategic partnership with Danish biotech company Gubra to create a long-acting GLP-1 receptor antagonist. This collaboration marks Amylyx’s continued effort to diversify its drug pipeline after halting its ALS treatment earlier this year due to insufficient clinical efficacy.
GLP-1 Drug Class and Its Growing Impact
The GLP-1 receptor has gained significant traction in the pharmaceutical landscape, thanks to the blockbuster success of diabetes and weight loss treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy. These therapies not only manage metabolic disorders but also hint at potential longevity benefits. Amylyx, recognizing this opportunity, aims to expand its reach in this promising field.
Earlier in 2023, Amylyx acquired a GLP-1 receptor antagonist from Eiger Biopharma for $35.1 million. The drug is currently being developed as a treatment for post-bariatric hypoglycemia, signaling the company’s long-term interest in GLP-1 research.
Strategic Collaboration with Gubra
By partnering with Gubra, Amylyx leverages the Danish company’s advanced expertise in peptide drug discovery and preclinical research. Gubra’s innovative drug development approach integrates machine learning and AI to streamline the identification of peptide candidates with optimal therapeutic potential.
Under the agreement, Gubra will receive upfront and research payments, along with potential milestones exceeding $50 million. The deal also includes mid-single-digit royalties on global sales, highlighting Gubra’s valuable role in the project.
Advancing Amylyx’s Pipeline
Amylyx co-CEOs Joshua Cohen and Justin Klee expressed optimism about the collaboration. “The GLP-1 receptor is a well-characterized biological target, and its role in the glucose-insulin response is crucial,” they stated. “With promising data from avexitide, we are eager to explore this pathway further with a long-acting GLP-1 receptor antagonist.”
The partnership’s goal is to identify a lead candidate suitable for Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies, with Amylyx retaining the option to oversee further development.
Gubra’s Expertise in Metabolic Research
Founded in Denmark in 2008, Gubra specializes in peptide-based therapies for metabolic and fibrotic diseases. Their platform employs cutting-edge AI-driven techniques to accelerate peptide discovery. CEO Henrik Blou noted, “This partnership exemplifies how leading pharmaceutical companies can collaborate with us to harness our advanced drug discovery capabilities.”
Pioneering the Future of Metabolic Disease Treatment
Amylyx’s collaboration with Gubra underscores the rising importance of GLP-1 receptor antagonists in addressing metabolic diseases and other health challenges. The partnership also reflects a growing reliance on AI-driven solutions to revolutionize therapeutic discovery, positioning both companies at the forefront of innovative healthcare advancements.
