Multi-Target Collaboration to advance Cachexia Therapeutics

A multi target Research Agreement with Endevica Bio Inc has been announced by Oxford (UK) company Orbit Discovery. The collaboration aims to accelerate the US (Northbrook IL) company’s development of advanced G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeting therapeutics on receptor sets both novel and complimentary to its lead compound.

Endevica’s technology platform modifies peptides to modulate activity of GPCRs behind the blood-brain barrier. The focus of this agreement is to identify peptide hits from selected library populations, derived from Endevica’s internal in silico and modelling tools, which will be applied directly to Orbit’s proprietary functional screening platform where agonism of proteins can be identified. 

The agreement covers activities ranging from hit ID to development of cell-based assays, with an option for Endevica to further develop the peptide hits resulting from the screening activities.

Dr Neil Butt, Chief Executive Officer, Orbit Discovery, said: "This agreement is further validation of the utility of Orbit’s discovery platforms and adds to an expanding portfolio of partners obtaining benefit from our unique ability to screen so many peptides directly in cell based functional screens. Through these types of innovative collaborations, we play a critical role in accelerating the development of peptide therapeutics to potentially help people living with serious medical conditions."  

Dr. Russell Potterfield, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Chairman, Endevica Bio, said: “Orbit has developed an impressive platform technology that is ideal for our requirements. We selected Orbit as our discovery partner for ongoing discovery work because of the team’s experience in overcoming peptide screening challenges, alongside an industry-leading platform. The ability to identify functional hits to our targets using large libraries will be a more cost effective and speedier option to traditional discovery options. We are confident that the combination of Orbit’s peptide discovery capabilities and our expertise in drug development will facilitate the accelerated entry of complimentary therapeutics portfolios into the clinic.”

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