#USA #South San Francisco #Novo Nordisk #Deep Apple #cardiometabolic

Collaboration Announcement: Deep Apple Therapeutics & Novo Nordisk

Deep Apple Therapeutics, Inc. has announced an exciting collaboration with Novo Nordisk that marks a significant step forward in the quest for innovative treatments for cardiometabolic diseases, particularly targeting conditions like obesity. The partnership is structured around a groundbreaking research collaboration and an exclusive license agreement that allows Deep Apple to leverage its unique research capabilities.

About the Partnership

The collaboration aims to discover and develop oral small molecule therapeutics directed at a novel, non-incretin GPCR (G-protein coupled receptor) target. This partnership not only broadens the therapeutic landscape for cardiometabolic diseases but also promises to generate first-in-class treatment options in what is rapidly becoming a crucial area of healthcare.

Under the terms of the agreement, Deep Apple Therapeutics will utilize its proprietary drug discovery platform—combining machine learning with structural biology, notably cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)—to accelerate the lead generation and optimization process. This technology allows for enhanced understanding and manipulation of protein dynamics, significantly improving the quality and creativity of potential drug candidates.

Once lead candidates are identified, Novo Nordisk will hold exclusive global rights to further develop, manufacture, and market the resulting products across various indications. The transition of research responsibilities to Novo Nordisk will occur just prior to the initiation of IND-enabling studies, ensuring a seamless integration of the research findings into further clinical development.

Financial Aspects of the Collaboration

Financially, the agreement positions Deep Apple Therapeutics to potentially earn up to $812 million, covering initial payments, research costs, and milestone-based payments. Additionally, there are possibilities for royalties on the sales of any commercialized products stemming from this collaboration.

Expert Insights

Dr. Spiros Liras, CEO of Deep Apple and a venture partner at Apple Tree Partners, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, acknowledging Novo Nordisk's long-standing position as a leader in providing transformative treatment options for cardiometabolic conditions. Dr. Liras emphasized how this collaboration showcases Deep Apple’s capabilities in swiftly identifying potent leads while enabling the development of a pioneering non-incretin program.

Jacob Sten Petersen, Senior Vice President at Novo Nordisk, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the company aims to address the diverse needs and preferences of individuals living with cardiometabolic diseases. The application of Deep Apple's AI-driven platform is anticipated to uncover groundbreaking treatment pathways for this patient population.

The Science Behind the Target

The target in question—a non-incretin GPCR—holds significant potential for future advancements. Deep Apple’s cutting-edge approach to capture the dynamics and varied conformations of GPCRs allows for the identification of novel binding pockets, making it an ideal match for the molecule libraries that Deep Apple has at its disposal. This innovative methodology positions Deep Apple as a trailblazer in the field of small molecule drug discovery, particularly within the inflammatory and metabolic disease sectors.

About the Companies

Founded by Apple Tree Partners, Deep Apple Therapeutics is reshaping the landscape of small molecule drug discovery. By harnessing advanced technologies like cryo-EM and machine learning, they aim to swiftly progress drug candidates targeting well-validated disease pathways. Their pipeline includes notable GPCR programs with candidates poised to enter IND-enabling studies.

On the other hand, Novo Nordisk has a rich history of pioneering healthcare solutions since 1923. Headquartered in Denmark, the company focuses on defeating chronic diseases through scientific innovation and expanding the accessibility of its treatments. This collaboration with Deep Apple aligns perfectly with their mission to reshape therapies for chronic conditions, reflecting their commitment to improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Deep Apple Therapeutics and Novo Nordisk is poised to catalyze a new era in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. With shared expertise and innovative technologies, these two organizations are setting the stage for the development of innovative oral therapeutics that could redefine patient care in this critical healthcare domain.