Antag Therapeutics Secures €80 Million for New Obesity Drug

Antag Therapeutics Secures €80 Million in Series A Financing

Antag Therapeutics, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative treatments for obesity, has successfully closed an impressive €80 million Series A financing round. This critical funding, spearheaded by Versant Ventures, also saw participation from major investors such as Novo Holdings, SR One, Dawn Biopharma, Pictet, Longview Ventures, and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).

Funding Purpose and Development Focus

The funds garnered will be instrumental in propelling the clinical development of Antag's leading treatment candidate, AT-7687. This novel, once-weekly subcutaneous antagonist of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor (GIPR) is poised to revolutionize obesity therapy. This strategic infusion of capital will also support the expanded pipeline of monthly injectable therapies.

The Need for Innovative Solutions

While GLP-1-based therapies have transformed the management of obesity, they can present tolerability challenges and result in unwanted side effects such as muscle mass loss. This underlines the urgent requirement for additional pharmacological solutions. Antag Therapeutics aims to fill this gap with its innovative approach.

The Science Behind AT-7687

Research indicates that individuals possessing genetic variants that diminish GIPR activity have a natural predisposition to lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced body fat, presenting a leaner phenotype compared to those with normal receptor functionality. This insight is pivotal in developing AT-7687.

Expertise Driving Innovation

The inspiration and scientific foundation for developing this breakthrough were laid by notable professors from the University of Copenhagen, Jens Holst and Mette Rosenkilde, whose research has extensively contributed to incretin biology. Both scholars not only co-founded Antag but also lend their extensive expertise, with Professor Holst serving as the chair of Antag's scientific advisory board.

Clinical Development and Future Prospects

AT-7687 is engineered to be used in conjunction with existing or future obesity treatments, including GLP-1 therapies, aiming to provide enhanced weight loss and metabolic outcomes. This adaptability positions AT-7687 favorably against other GIPR blockers, ensuring optimal dosing and greater efficacy.

Preclinical studies conducted on non-human primates demonstrated that the combination of AT-7687 and a GLP-1 therapy induced unprecedented levels of weight loss, while simultaneously improving glycemic control and lipid profiles independent of any weight changes. Most importantly, these promising results were achieved without the common gastrointestinal side effects associated with obesity medications.

Excitingly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently accepted Antag's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AT-7687, paving the way for clinical trials that will assess its effectiveness both as a standalone treatment and alongside GLP-1 receptor agonists for obese patients. The company is also exploring additional combinations beyond GLP-1 therapies and developing a follow-on molecule for monthly administration.

Statements from Leadership

Alexander Hovard Sparre-Ulrich, Ph.D., CEO, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the support from prominent investors. He stated, "The backing of such a strong syndicate of global investors underscores our unique approach to developing novel therapies for patients facing obesity. This investment, coupled with our recent IND clearance, allows us to expedite the development of AT-7687 toward critical clinical milestones. We believe the distinctive weight-loss characteristics and flexible dosing of our first-in-class peptide will set us apart in the market."

Dr. Alex Mayweg, Managing Director at Versant and an Antag board member, highlighted the advantages of Antag's peptide-based treatments, stating, "Antag's ability to combine its therapies with existing incretin-based options in both weekly and monthly formats presents exciting possibilities. The potential of GIP receptor antagonism is just beginning to unfold, and we are thrilled to be contributing to this burgeoning field."

Jeroen Bakker, Partner at Novo Holdings, reflected on the excitement surrounding the Series A financing, noting that "Novo Holdings was the first investor in Antag, drawn by the outstanding science and renowned founders. We are proud to support this Series A round, which signifies a significant advancement for Antag’s pipeline aimed at improving the lives of those living with obesity."

About Antag Therapeutics

Antag Therapeutics is a forward-thinking, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative therapies aimed at treating obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions, utilizing GIP receptor antagonism. With a commitment to advancing this field, Antag strives to improve patient outcomes through groundbreaking solutions that meet pressing medical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of Antag Therapeutics?

Antag Therapeutics specializes in developing innovative treatments for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases using GIP receptor antagonism.

How much funding did Antag Therapeutics recently secure?

The company secured €80 million in a Series A financing round.

What is AT-7687?

AT-7687 is a novel peptide designed to act as a subcutaneous antagonist for the GIP receptor, aimed at enhancing weight loss and metabolic health.

What are the expected benefits of AT-7687 over existing treatments?

AT-7687 may provide enhanced weight loss and metabolic benefits without the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with current obesity treatments.

What is the significance of the recent FDA IND approval for Antag Therapeutics?

The FDA’s acceptance of Antag's IND application for AT-7687 enables the company to initiate clinical trials to further evaluate its therapeutic potential in obese patients.

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