AbbVie Becomes Another Big Pharma To Enter Obesity Treatment Race

by Vandana Singh Benzinga Editor

On Monday, AbbVie Inc ABBV and Gubra A/S announced a license agreement to develop GUB014295, a long-acting amylin analog for obesity. GUB014295 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

“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,” said Robert Michael, CEO of AbbVie.

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A potential long-acting amylin analog, GUB014295 is an agonist that specifically activates amylin and calcitonin receptors.

Amylin, a satiety hormone, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for obesity, given its role in activating signals to the brain that result in appetite suppression and the reduction of food intake while also acting as an inhibitory signal to delay gastric emptying.

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will lead the development and commercialization 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.

William Blair analyst Matt Phipps writes, “We believe this transaction highlights a growing interest in amylin agonists (and particularly dual amylin/calcitonin receptor agonists, or DACRAs) as a next wave of obesity assets, particularly for companies looking to break into the field despite being well behind GLP-1 leaders Eli Lilly And Co LLY and Novo Nordisk A/S NVO.”

The analyst highlights a key question is whether AbbVie will develop GUB014295 as a standalone treatment, offering a milder weight loss option for those who cannot tolerate or do not respond to GLP-1/GIP agonists.

Alternatively, the company may combine it with GLP-1/GIP drugs like Novo Nordisk's CagriSema for greater weight loss. Investors are also interested in whether AbbVie plans to expand further in the obesity market through new business deals.

Price Action: ABBV stock is up 0.84% at $210.78 at the last check Monday.

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