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

Deep Apple Therapeutics Partners with Novo Nordisk

On June 11, 2025, Deep Apple Therapeutics, Inc., based in South San Francisco, made a significant announcement regarding a groundbreaking collaboration with Novo Nordisk. This partnership aims to discover and develop oral small molecule therapeutics targeting a novel non-incretin G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) for cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity. The agreement marks a pivotal step towards creating first-in-class treatment options in a field that has been crying out for innovation.

The Collaboration's Framework

Under the terms of the collaboration, Deep Apple will leverage its proprietary drug discovery platform. This unique approach fuses machine-learning-based virtual screening with structural biology techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This combination significantly enhances the speed and quality of lead generation and optimization, promising to revolutionize how therapies are developed for cardiometabolic conditions.

Novo Nordisk will obtain exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize any products that result from this partnership. The collaboration framework involves a research plan where both companies will work closely together. The pivotal program transition to Novo Nordisk will take place just before the commencement of Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies.

Financial Terms

The partnership structure is financially rewarding for Deep Apple. The company stands to receive an upfront payment and research costs, totaling up to $812 million in milestone payments, in addition to potential royalties from any successful products stemming from the collaboration. This financial backing bolsters Deep Apple's efforts as they innovate within a niche that impacts millions globally.

Leadership Insights

Dr. Spiros Liras, the CEO of Deep Apple, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, pointing to Novo Nordisk's esteemed position as a leader in crafting transformative treatments for cardiometabolic diseases. “This program accentuates our platform’s capabilities in identifying potent, novel leads in a short timespan,” said Dr. Liras. “Working with Novo Nordisk allows us to advance a leading-edge non-incretin program specifically focusing on cardiometabolic diseases.”

On the other hand, Jacob Sten Petersen, Senior Vice President of the Diabetes, Obesity, and MASH therapeutic area at Novo Nordisk, noted the critical need for innovative treatment options. He emphasized the intention behind their diverse range of prospective oral treatments tailored to meet the various needs and preferences of individuals living with cardiometabolic diseases.

Focus on Innovative Therapeutics

The collaboration targets a specific GPCR that presents an opportunity for Deep Apple's platform to showcase its strength. The platform captures the dynamics and behavior of GPCRs and other proteins in multiple conformations, granting researchers the ability to uncover novel pockets for exploration with Deep Apple’s extensive virtual compound libraries.

As a company founded by Apple Tree Partners, Deep Apple is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of small molecule drug discovery. Using advanced techniques such as ensemble cryo-EM and machine learning, Deep Apple aims to rapidly advance candidates targeting validated areas in inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Their pipeline now boasts several noteworthy programs, making them an eager innovator in the healthcare space.

Conclusion

The emergence of this collaboration between Deep Apple Therapeutics and Novo Nordisk promises to pave the way for significant advancements in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. As both industry leaders combine their expertise and resources, the healthcare sector watches closely, hopeful for new therapeutic options that could profoundly impact patients' lives worldwide. This partnership not only signifies a strategic alliance but also a committed effort towards improving global health outcomes related to metabolic disorders.