Obesity late-comer AbbVie teams up with Gubra

In a partnership marking AbbVie’s (NYSE: ABBV) entrance into the weight management field, the US pharma major has signed a licensing deal with Denmark’s Gubra (CPSE: GUBRA) to develop GUB014295, a potential best-in-class, long-acting amylin analog for the treatment of obesity.

Gubra’s shares were up almost 15% at 648.00 kroner by late afternoon trading today.
“At AbbVie, we are focused on transforming the future of patient care in areas where significant unmet need persists,” said Robert

Michael, chief executive of 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.”
The companies noted that GUB014295, dubbed GUBamy, is currently in a Phase I 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.