#Denmark #Copenhagen #Antag Therapeutics #GIPR Antagonist #AT-7687

Antag Therapeutics Secures €80 Million Financing

Antag Therapeutics, a pioneering force in the biopharmaceutical sector, has recently announced the completion of an impressive €80 million Series A financing round. This funding is a significant step forward for the company, which is focused on developing innovative treatments targeting obesity through unique mechanisms. The round was spearheaded by the reputable Versant Ventures, alongside other notable investors such as Novo Holdings, SR One, and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).

Transforming Obesity Treatment

The funds raised will predominantly propel the clinical development of AT-7687, a groundbreaking therapy designed as a weekly subcutaneous GIPR antagonist. Understanding the genetic underpinnings, researchers have discovered that individuals possessing specific genetic variations of GIPR exhibit lower body mass indices (BMI) and fat percentages, leading to leaner physiques. This novel approach of antagonizing the GIPR holds promise in addressing the limitations that current GLP-1-based therapies encounter, such as muscle mass loss and impact on patient tolerability.

Innovative Therapy Development

The genesis of Antag's leading molecule is tied to the pioneering research by professors Jens Holst and Mette Rosenkilde from the University of Copenhagen. Their collaborative efforts in incretin biology have established the scientific foundation of the company. As co-founders of Antag, their commitment to revolutionary research continues to guide the firm's strategic direction, with Professor Holst currently chairing its scientific advisory board.

AT-7687 is particularly unique as it can be combined with existing and future obesity therapies. This flexibility allows it to achieve superior weight loss and enhanced metabolic outcomes compared to current treatment options. In non-human primate studies, the combination of AT-7687 with GLP-1 demonstrated outstanding results, showcasing not just significant weight loss but also improvements in glycemic control and lipid profiles, all while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects.

Regulatory Milestones

The excitement around AT-7687 grows as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the Investigational New Drug (IND) application, clearing the path for clinical trials to initiate in the coming year. These clinical studies aim to evaluate AT-7687 both as a standalone treatment and in collaboration with GLP-1 receptor agonists among obese patients. Moreover, Antag aims to broaden its pipeline with additional combination therapies and a follow-up molecule for monthly usage.

Strong Investor Confidence

According to Alexander Hovard Sparre-Ulrich, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Antag, the participation of such a high-caliber group of global investors is a validation of their pioneering approach to obesity treatment. He emphasizes that this funding will fast-track the clinical development of AT-7687, highlighting its potential role in transforming weight loss therapies for patients.

Alex Mayweg, Ph.D., Managing Director at Versant Ventures and a member of Antag's board, noted the wide-reaching advantages of Antag's peptide solutions, which can be utilized independently or synergistically with other incretin agents. This customizable delivery system sets Antag apart in a highly competitive landscape of obesity treatments.

Jeroen Bakker from Novo Holdings expressed excitement about the strong scientific foundation of Antag Therapeutics, reaffirming the pivotal role that this funding will play in furthering their groundbreaking research and development in obesity treatment.

Antag Therapeutics stands at the brink of a significant breakthrough in addressing the pressing issues surrounding obesity, poised to make substantial contributions to both patient health and the scientific community’s understanding of this complex condition.