Novo Nordisk, U.S. biotech company partner to create highly effective obesity pills

U.S. biotech firm develops an effective drugs that particularly target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Novo Nordisk, U.S. biotech company partner to create highly effective obesity pills
Novo Nordisk, U.S. biotech company partner to create highly effective obesity pills

Danish drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk is partnering with California-based biotech Septerna to develop the latest pills to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

The deal could be estimated at up to $2.2 billion for Septerna. It includes more than $200 million in upfront and short-term milestone payments, including future rewards linked to research, development and sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Novo Nordisk will pay all the research and development charges for the project.

U.S. biotech firm develops drugs to target GPCRs 

The U.S. biotech firm is now developing the most effective drugs that particularly target certain proteins, known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

These proteins assist in passing chemicals inside the cell. Several major drugs on the market today further target GPCRs.

“Septerna has demonstrated strong capabilities in GPCR drug discovery," chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, Marcus Schindler, informed The Wall Street Journal.

“We are excited about the opportunity to develop oral small-molecule medicines directed at multiple targets,” he added.

Both of these companies are currently planning four programmes to produce pills that target GPCRs, including GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, which are essential proteins involved in maintaining blood sugar and controlling appetite, according to The WSJ.

Up to one-third of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) target GPCRs, Novo Nordisk reported.

However, a projected 75% of GPCR targets have not yet been used in medicine.

Read more : Health
Here's how these food products benefit if consumed chilled
Here's how these food products benefit if consumed chilled
Food items that become ideal to deal with gut concerns and prevent chronic diseases when cooled
Hair loss explained: Causes, Symptoms, and when to see a doctor
Hair loss explained: Causes, Symptoms, and when to see a doctor
As per American Academy of Dermatology (ADD), about 80 million Americans experience hereditary hair loss
Scientists discover surprising link between mouth's bacteria, depression
Scientists discover surprising link between mouth's bacteria, depression
Researchers at NYU have found connection between depression and the pattern of bacteria in the mouth
Try eating more fruits and vegetables for better sleep tonight
Try eating more fruits and vegetables for better sleep tonight
Study found a strong association between healthy diet and improved sleep
What is Graves disease? Signs, symptoms and treatment
What is Graves disease? Signs, symptoms and treatment
Graves disease is an autoimmune disease characterised by hyperthyroidism
Health experts warn against ‘Gas station heroin’: Here’s what you must know
Health experts warn against ‘Gas station heroin’: Here’s what you must know
Tianeptine, an unapproved drug that can be addictive with a range of adverse effects
Here's how diabetic and kidney patients can protect their heart health
Here's how diabetic and kidney patients can protect their heart health
Discover a few essential ways to protect their heart health
Extra sleep hours on weekend may calm teen anxiety, study
Extra sleep hours on weekend may calm teen anxiety, study
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advised teenagers from the age of 13 to 18 years to sleep 8 to 10 hours daily for improved health
Prenatal PFAS exposure associated with increased Blood Pressure in teens, study
Prenatal PFAS exposure associated with increased Blood Pressure in teens, study
PFAS are human-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water and stains
Sleep deprivation in teens linked to impulsive behaviour, study
Sleep deprivation in teens linked to impulsive behaviour, study
Lack of sleep affects teen brains, leading to impulsivity and aggression
Irregular sleep patterns alter teens' brains, study
Irregular sleep patterns alter teens' brains, study
Researchers discovered that lack of sleep caused the different regions to reduce connectivity
Is Psyllium husk really ‘Nature’s Ozempic’? Here’s what experts say
Is Psyllium husk really ‘Nature’s Ozempic’? Here’s what experts say
Psyllium husk is considered an essential source of soluble fibre that softens stools and regulates digestion