AbbVie & Gubra Partner to Develop Amylin Analog for Obesity Treatment

AbbVie and Gubra A/S, a company specializing in preclinical contract research services and peptide-based drug discovery within metabolic and fibrotic diseases, announced a license agreement to develop GUB014295, a potential best-in-class, long-acting amylin analog for the treatment of obesity.

""At AbbVie, we are focused on transforming the future of patient care in areas where significant unmet need persists,"" said Robert A. Michael, chief executive officer, AbbVie. ""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.""

GUB014295 is currently in a phase 1 clinical trial. A potential long-acting amylin analog, GUB014295 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.  

""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, M.D., executive vice president, research & development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie. ""Building on Gubra's experience in the discovery of novel peptide-based therapeutics, we look forward to advancing the development of the GUB014295 programme.""

""We are excited to partner with AbbVie given its strong capabilities in both the development and commercialization of life-changing medicines,"" said Henrik Blou, chief executive officer, Gubra. ""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. Our team has been extremely impressed with AbbVie and their commitment to bring this important partnership to life. We look forward to working together throughout the development of the GUB014295 programme.""

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 transaction closure is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc served as exclusive financial advisor to Gubra A/S. Goodwin Procter LLP and Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab served as legal advisors to Gubra A/S.

The phase 1 clinical trial is a two-part, single center, double-blind (within cohorts), randomized, placebo-controlled, single (Part 1) and multiple (Part 2) ascending subcutaneous dose study of GUB014295. Part 1 has been completed; Part 2 is ongoing.

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. The company strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care and products and services in its allergan aesthetics portfolio.

Gubra, founded in 2008 in Denmark, listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen, is specialized in pre-clinical contract research services and peptide-based drug discovery within metabolic and fibrotic diseases. Gubra's activities are focused on the early stages of drug development and are organised in two business areas – CRO services and discovery & partnerships (D&P).

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