AstraZeneca Commits $80 Million to Secure Next-Gen Obesity Therapy from SixPeaks Bio AG

On May 22, SixPeaks Bio AG, dedicated to developing the next generation of weight-loss drugs, came out of stealth mode. The company has secured a $30 million Series A financing round led by founding investor Versant Ventures and has entered into a strategic partnership with AstraZeneca.

SixPeaks Bio AG to Receive $80 Million Investment from AstraZeneca Over the Next Two Years in Exchange for AstraZeneca Gaining the Option to Acquire SixPeaks Bio AG at the Time of Its Lead Antibody IND Filing.

SixPeaks Bio was founded in 2022 with the goal of developing healthier weight-loss therapies. Its pipeline includes a potential best-in-class targetedactivin IIA/B receptorbispecific antibody. This innovative therapy has the potential to protect human skeletal muscle mass while promoting weight loss.

GLP-1 drugs are now sweeping the globe, but patients may experience a reduction in muscle mass (muscle loss) along with fat reduction, which could limit the long-term use of such medications.

Preclinical studies have shown that SixPeaks' lead molecule, whether used alone or in combination with a GLP-1R agonist, demonstrates potential best-in-class efficacy in preserving muscle mass in both lean and obese mouse models.

The company also has its activin receptor IIA/B antibodyConjugated with GLP-1 peptide, creating a first-in-class therapy with the potential to achieve the maximum weight loss effect mediated by GLP-1R agonists while preserving muscle.

SixPeaks Bio is also leveraging this conjugation platform to develop other therapies based on activin.

Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, said: "With over a billion people now living with both cardiometabolic disease and obesity, there is a continued need for innovation and next-generation treatments. The collaboration with SixPeaks will strengthen AstraZeneca's obesity pipeline and advance the development of new therapies."

References:

[1]https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240521299720/en/SixPeaks-Bio-AG-Debuts-With-110-Million-in-Funding