BioAge Labs Enters Option Agreement with JiKang Therapeutics for Next-Gen APJ Agonist Nanobody to Treat Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

On June 3, Emeryville, California-based BioAge Labs, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutic candidates for metabolic diseases by targeting the biology of human aging, announced progress in its apelin receptor (APJ) agonist program to bolster the company’s approach to treating obesity and other indications. BioAge has entered into an option agreement with JiKang Therapeutics (JiKang Bio), a company incubated by ShanghaiTech University, which could grant licensing rights to a novel APJ agonist nanobody. BioAge has also filed a provisional patent application covering internally developed novel small-molecule APJ agonists.

Apelin is an exercise-induced signaling molecule, known as an exercine, which has been shown in preclinical studies to recapitulate many of the downstream benefits of exercise. Based on the company’s platform analysis of human aging cohorts, BioAge identified apelin signaling as a therapeutic target; the platform showed that increased circulating apelin levels predict improvements in physical function and extended lifespan. BioAge has demonstrated that, in preclinical models of obesity, APJ agonists can approximately double GLP-1 receptor agonist-induced weight loss while restoring healthy body composition and improving muscle function, suggesting that APJ agonists could serve as pharmacological exercise mimetics to enhance incretin-based therapies.

The company plans to advance its APJ agonist designed for oral and subcutaneous administration to serve two segments of the obesity market, with the goal of submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for one asset in its APJ program by 2026.

BioAge CEO and co-founder Kristen Fortney, Ph.D., stated:"Apelin is a key target for metabolic aging, and we are excited to share the latest progress on BioAge's next-generation APJ agonist approach. Our preclinical data show that APJ agonism can amplify GLP-1-driven weight loss; by simultaneously developing long-acting injectables and an all-oral combination regimen, our goal is to match different administration preferences while enhancing efficacy and improving body composition outcomes."

Exercise Agreement Reached with Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd. on Novel APJ Agonist Antibody

BioAge has obtained the license for a novel APJ agonist nanobody from Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd., a single-domain antibody with potential applications in the treatment of metabolic diseases. The nanobody developed by Jikang Biomedical exhibits superior pharmacological properties: its activity is at least 10 times greater than that of APJ's natural ligand, apelin, and its EC50 can rival the best-in-class small molecule APJ agonists.

Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd. is a biotechnology company specializing in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targeted therapies for weight loss and metabolic diseases. Founded by Dr. Fei Xu, his research team has pioneered foundational research on the structure and function of APJ at ShanghaiTech University for over a decade.Dr. Xu Fei said:"The collaboration with BioAge marks a crucial step in transitioning our APJ program from laboratory research to clinical application. We are committed to developing this innovative therapeutic candidate for patients worldwide."

Under the terms of the agreement, BioAge and Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd. will jointly advance the APJ agonist nanobody into the start of IND-enabling studies. BioAge has an exclusive, pre-negotiated option to license the program; if exercised, BioAge will assume full responsibility for global development and commercialization across all indications. Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd. will receive an upfront option payment and research funding upon signing, and is eligible for an option exercise fee as well as further development, regulatory, and sales-based milestones and tiered royalties, all subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Intellectual Property Expansion of Novel Small-Molecule APJ Agonists

BioAge is rapidly advancing its internal small molecule APJ agonist program. In May 2025, the company filed a U.S. provisional patent application for a new class of orally active, chemically distinct apelin receptor agonists with picomolar potency and drug-like properties: excellent pharmacokinetics, high solubility, and metabolic stability. The design of these novel lead compounds was supported by computational modeling based on cryo-EM structural insights, rapid analog synthesis, and artificial intelligence-driven design initiatives.

Shanghai Jikang Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to becoming a global pioneer in the discovery of innovative biologics for GPCR. By integrating a world-class GPCR scientific team with experienced antibody development industry experts, the company leverages the power of artificial intelligence to translate cutting-edge GPCR structural insights into clinical advancements. Notably, Jikang Biomedical Technology is supported by renowned partners, including XtalPi.