BRIEF—Sosei receives $10 million milestone from Pfizer

Japan-based Sosei Group, a leader in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) focused structure-based drug design (SBDD) and development, has been notified by US pharma giant Pfizer that the first subject in a Phase II clinical trial has been dosed with Pfizer’s candidate PF-07081532.

Achievement of this milestone triggers a $10 million payment to the group’s Sosei Heptares unit.

PF-07081532 is a once-daily, next-generation oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

PF-07081532 was discovered by Pfizer scientists during a multi-target research collaboration in which Pfizer had access to Sosei Heptares proprietary StaR (stabilized receptor) technology.

PF-07081532 has successfully completed Phase I clinical studies conducted by Pfizer.

Sosei Heptares head of UK R&D, Matt Barnes, commented: “GLP-1 is an important and well-validated target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. We believe the exciting progress of PF-07081532 and other nominated candidates speaks to the power of our platform and ability to collaborate successfully with pharma partners – uniting our cutting-edge technology with Pfizer’s drug discovery, early development and clinical expertise to generate and advance drug candidates with significant therapeutic potential. We look forward to continuing the success of this partnership with Pfizer to deliver new medicines for diseases with large unmet need.”