Potential first-in-class treatment HM17321 offers a non-incretin mechanism of action and differentiated profile from existing GLP-1-based treatments for obesity.
Genentech (part of the Roche Group) has followed in the footsteps of fellow big pharma company Eli Lilly, by licensing one of Hanmi Pharm’s peptide therapeutic candidates.
Hanmi’s HM17321, a proprietary UCN2 (urocortin-2) analog, is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase I trial for chronic-weight management and associated conditions, including obesity. Under the current proposed deal, valued up to $2.3 billion, Genentech will lead development of Phase II trials thereafter.
Eli Lilly licensed another of Hanmi’s GLP-based peptide therapies for short bowel syndrome in June. This development agreement was offered by Eli Lilly for a similarly large sum of $1.2 billion.
In the current deal, which excludes South Korea, where Hanmi is based, the firm will receive $190 million upfront and is also eligible for royalty payments.
In-Young Choi, Senior Executive Vice President, Head of R&D Division of Hanmi Pharm said: “The paradigm of obesity treatment is evolving beyond simple weight reduction toward improving body composition and restoring metabolic health. We are very pleased that the differentiated scientific mechanism and development potential of HM17321 have been recognised by the global market.”
HM17321 non-incretin mechanism of action offers a potential first-in-class treatment that simultaneously promote weight loss and preserve lean body mass. In contrast, existing GLP-1 based incretin therapies have demonstrated meaningful weight loss while also reducing body mass.
As a peptide-based therapeutic, Hanmi’s HM17321 may have potential for use in fixed-dose combination products or combination regimens with incretin-based treatments.
“By licensing this next-generation investigational therapy with first-in-class potential from Hanmi, Roche and Genentech will pursue a differentiated approach to selectively reduce fat mass while improving both muscle mass and muscle function”
Boris Zaitra, Head of Roche Corporate Business Development
Boris Zaitra, Head of Roche Corporate Business Development, added: “With our growing cardiometabolic pipeline and strong diagnostic expertise, Roche is advancing a portfolio designed to meet the diverse needs of people living with obesity and related health conditions.
“By licensing this next-generation investigational therapy with first-in-class potential from Hanmi, Roche and Genentech will pursue a differentiated approach to selectively reduce fat mass while improving both muscle mass and muscle function. We look forward to further developing this medicine in order to address important unmet needs for people living with obesity and other metabolic diseases.”
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