2024 was another banner year for GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on multiple fronts. They continued to expand into new indications, and provide their developers with both rich remuneration and scientific acclamation. There are now seven approved GLP-1RAs. Commercially, the most successful one so far is semaglutide, sold under the brand name Wegovy or Ozempic depending on the indication.
Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has synthesized antibody-drug conjugates comprising a monoclonal antibody covalently linked to exatecan derivatives through a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Haihe Biopharma Co. Ltd. has disclosed benzo(hetero)cycloalkyl compounds reported to be useful for the treatment of acne, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, and more.
Xentria Inc. has entered into an exclusive license agreement with New York University (NYU) securing Xentria exclusive rights related to the development of a potential disease-modifying therapeutic for cardiovascular disease.
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has gained clinical trial approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for SYH-2062 injection, a double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) drug to treat hypertension.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a severe genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes, which encode polycystins 1 and 2, affecting over 12 million people globally.