HQ Team
March 4, 2025: AbbVie Inc. will license a drug to treat obesity from Denmark’s Gurba A/S, a preclinical contract research services and peptide-based drug discovery, for about $2.2 billion to mark its entry into the obesity treatment space.
The deal will enable AbbVie to develop a long-acting amylin analogue called as GYB014295 to treat obesity, according to a joint statement. AbbVie joins companies such as Astra Zeneca, Amgen, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who are in the market with their weight-loss drugs.
Amylin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, co-secreted with insulin, and plays a significant role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism. It acts as a satiety hormone, meaning it helps signal the body to feel full, thereby reducing food intake. It helps control postprandial glucose levels by slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing glucagon secretion may increase energy expenditure, contributing to weight loss.
AbbVie will lead the development and commercialisation activities of GUB014295 globally. Gubra will receive $350 million in total upfront payment and be eligible to receive up to $1.875 billion in development, commercial and sales milestone payments with tiered royalties on global net sales.
“At AbbVie, we are focused on transforming the future of patient care in areas where significant unmet need persists,” said Robert A. Michael, chief executive officer, of AbbVie.
‘Compelling opportunity’
“Our partnership with Gubra marks our entry into the obesity field, offering a compelling opportunity based on the potential to address patient needs while also fostering long-term growth for our company.”
GUB014295 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial. GUB014295 is an agonist that specifically activates amylin and calcitonin receptors. Amylin, a satiety hormone, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, according to the statement.
The analogue activates signals to the brain that result in appetite suppression and a reduction of food intake, while also acting as an inhibitory signal to delay gastric emptying.
“Obesity represents a significant global health concern with nearly 900 million adults with obesity, many of whom struggle to stay on current treatment options,” said Roopal Thakkar, M.D., executive vice president, research & development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie.
Completed part 1 trials
“Building on Gubra’s experience in the discovery of novel peptide-based therapeutics, we look forward to advancing the development of the GUB014295 program.”
Gubra has about 260 employees, and the company founded in 2008 had posted 266 million Danish kroner in revenue. It has completed part 1 of the early trials and is currently in part 2.
Henrik Blou, chief executive officer, of Gubra, said: “This collaboration between Gubra and AbbVie will accelerate the development of GUB014295 and build on the promising data shown in its Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) trial.”
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc was an exclusive financial advisor to Gubra A/S. Goodwin Procter LLP and Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab served as legal advisors to Gubra A/S.
