Keybioscience AG and Eli Lilly & Co. have agreed to extend their collaboration on the development of dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRAs), a new class of potential treatments for obesity and related disorders.

Ibio Inc. has announced progress under its collaboration with Astralbio Inc. on a joint myostatin program for cardiometabolic disease and obesity. Ibio leveraged its technology to rapidly advance the program from inception to in vitro proof of concept in human muscle cells.

Antag Therapeutics ApS has received IND clearance from the FDA for lead molecule, AT-7687. A phase I trial will evaluate AT-7687 in healthy lean and healthy obese subjects, including as monotherapy and in combination with semaglutide in the healthy obese individuals.

The melanocortin MC4 receptor (MC4R), expressed in all brain regions, plays a relevant role in metabolism regulation and in the control of hunger and satiety. MC4R-specific agonist ligands such as setmelanotide have shown potential as antiobesity therapeutics, although reported off-target effects highlight the need for more specific compounds.

An innovation that has kickstarted a revolution in the study and practice of health care is getting even more attention. Three scientists who pioneered the discovery and development of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based obesity treatments have been named 2024 Lasker Award winners.