AbbVie and Gubra Announce License Agreement to Develop an Amylin Analog for the Treatment of Obesity
Rhea-AI Summary
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and Gubra A/S have announced a license agreement to develop GUB014295, a potential best-in-class, long-acting amylin analog for obesity treatment. This partnership marks AbbVie's strategic entry into the obesity market.
The agreement includes a $350 million upfront payment to Gubra, with potential additional payments of up to $1.875 billion in development, commercial, and sales milestones, plus tiered royalties on global net sales. AbbVie will lead global development and commercialization activities.
GUB014295, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, is an agonist that activates amylin and calcitonin receptors. The compound works by triggering appetite suppression signals to the brain, reducing food intake, and delaying gastric emptying. This development addresses a significant global health concern, with approximately 900 million adults affected by obesity.
Positive
- Strategic entry into large obesity market (900M adults)
- $350M upfront payment secured with $1.875B additional milestone potential
- Phase 1 trial already showing promising initial data
- Global commercialization rights secured
Negative
- Early-stage drug (only Phase 1) with significant development risks
- High upfront payment ($350M) with uncertain return
- Entering highly competitive obesity market as a late player
News Market Reaction – ABBV
In the trading session that priced this news, ABBV gained 1.17%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
- Partnership marks AbbVie's entrance into the obesity field
- Agreement will enable the incorporation of GUB014295, an amylin peptide discovered and developed by Gubra, into AbbVie's global infrastructure for developing and commercializing therapies for patients in need
"At AbbVie, we are focused on transforming the future of patient care in areas where significant unmet need persists," said Robert A. Michael, chief executive officer, AbbVie. "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."
GUB014295 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial. 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 the treatment of 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.
"Obesity represents a significant global health concern with nearly 900 million adults with obesity, many of whom struggle to stay on current treatment options," said Roopal Thakkar, M.D., executive vice president, research & development, chief scientific officer, AbbVie. "Building on Gubra's experience in the discovery of novel peptide-based therapeutics, we look forward to advancing the development of the GUB014295 program."
"We are excited to partner with AbbVie given its strong capabilities in both the development and commercialization of life-changing medicines," said Henrik Blou, chief executive officer, Gubra. "This collaboration between Gubra and AbbVie will accelerate the development of GUB014295 and build on the promising data shown in its Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) trial. Our team has been extremely impressed with AbbVie and their commitment to bring this important partnership to life. We look forward to working together throughout the development of the GUB014295 program."
Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will lead development and commercialization activities of GUB014295 globally. Gubra will receive
Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc served as exclusive financial advisor to Gubra A/S. Goodwin Procter LLP and Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab served as legal advisors to Gubra A/S.
Gubra Investor Conference Call Information
A presentation for analysts and investors will be held today, March 3, at 10:00 am CET. The event will be hosted by the company's CEO Henrik Blou, CSO Louise S. Dalbøge and CFO Kristian Borbos. The presentation will be held in English.
To participate in the conference, please register here to receive the dial-in details:
https://palvelu.flik.fi/teleconference/?id=5003288
The conference can also be followed live via the webcast link:
https://hca.videosync.fi/2025-03-03-presentation/register
It will also be possible to access the webcast afterwards at the abovementioned link.
About the Phase 1 Clinical Trial of GUB014295
The Phase 1 clinical trial is a two-part, single center, double-blind (within cohorts), randomized, placebo-controlled, single (Part 1) and multiple (Part 2) ascending subcutaneous dose study of GUB014295. Part 1 has been completed; Part 2 is ongoing. More information on this trial can be found at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT: 06144684).
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
About Gubra
Gubra, founded in 2008 in
Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
AbbVie Media: Lindsay Cangemi lindsay.cangemi@abbvie.com | AbbVie Investors: Liz Shea liz.shea@abbvie.com | |
Gubra Media: Sofia Pitt Boserup sbo@gubra.dk | Gubra Investors: Kristian Borbos kbo@gubra.dk |
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SOURCE AbbVie