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Deep Apple and Novo Nordisk Join Forces for Cardiometabolic Solutions

In a significant development within the biomedical field, Deep Apple Therapeutics, Inc. announced a monumental collaboration with Novo Nordisk aimed at advancing oral therapeutics targeting cardiometabolic diseases. This partnership leverages the emerging capabilities of small molecules directed at a novel receptor target, specifically a non-incretin G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR).

Collaboration Framework

Set to potentially yield Deep Apple up to $812 million, including initial payments, research fees, and milestone payments, this collaboration marks an essential step in effective disease management, especially for conditions as prevalent as obesity. Under the terms of the agreement, Deep Apple will employ its proprietary drug discovery platform, which integrates machine learning-based virtual screening with cutting-edge structural biology techniques, specifically cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This innovative combination allows for heightened efficiency in discovering and optimizing lead compounds rapidly.

Novo Nordisk, a recognized powerhouse in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, will receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the resulting products across all indications from this collaboration. The two companies will closely cooperate during the research phase, aiming for a seamless transition of the program to Novo Nordisk as they prepare for commercialization studies.

Statement from Leadership

Spiros Liras, Ph.D., CEO of Deep Apple, expressed enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, emphasizing Novo Nordisk's longstanding leadership in providing transformative therapies for cardiometabolic diseases. He stated, “This program highlights the capabilities of our platform to identify novel, powerful leads within months. Partnering with Novo Nordisk will allow us to advance a leading non-incretin program for cardiometabolic diseases.”

Jacob Sten Petersen, a senior vice president at Novo Nordisk, remarked on the urgency of addressing the diverse needs of individuals with cardiometabolic diseases. He emphasized the anticipation to delve deeper into this new target leveraging Deep Apple’s AI-driven platform and expertise in small molecule drug discovery.

Targeting New Therapeutic Areas

The focus of the collaboration resides on a non-incretin GPCR, a target ideally suited for Deep Apple’s platform. This platform captures dynamic movements of GPCRs and other proteins in multiple conformations, identifying new binding pockets that can accommodate Deep Apple’s exclusive virtual compound libraries.

Deep Apple: A New Era of Drug Discovery

Deep Apple Therapeutics is redefining standards in small molecule discovery, founded by Apple Tree Partners (ATP). The company's methodology incorporates holistic cryo-EM studies to explore receptor conformations, deep learning techniques, and the innovative Orchard.ai™ algorithm to generate billion-strong libraries of virtual compounds. This structure-based design approach, augmented by machine learning, enables rapid progression of new candidates targeting well-validated pathways in inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

The firm has already established a robust pipeline of programs aimed at GPCRs, including a clinical candidate targeting MRGPRX2 and another approach involving the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIP-R) preparing for clinical trials.

For further insights about Deep Apple and its promising approach to drug development, please visit their website at deepappletx.com.

Novo Nordisk: A Legacy in Chronic Disease Management

Novo Nordisk has long been a leader in the healthcare industry since its inception in 1923, with a mission to drive change for serious chronic diseases. Their ongoing efforts are not just about managing diabetes but also extending the benefits of scientific breakthroughs to tackle chronic illnesses more comprehensively.

This new collaboration is poised to enhance treatment pathways and improve health outcomes for patients grappling with cardiometabolic conditions.