AdipoPharma, a French biotech company, has announced that it has secured funding to begin Phase 1 clinical trials in the U.S. in mid-2025 for its novel Type 2 diabetes drug, PATAS. This funding marks a significant step forward in the development of a first-in-class compound that directly addresses insulin resistance, the underlying cause of Type 2 diabetes.
Targeting Insulin Resistance
PATAS is designed as a whole-body insulin sensitizer, working on fat cells (adipocytes) to restore glucose uptake and utilization. Unlike many existing diabetes drugs that focus on symptom management, PATAS aims to reboot healthy lipid biosynthesis, leading to improved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and addressing complications such as diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular dysfunction, liver disease, and muscle loss.
Investor Confidence
AdipoPharma's funding comes from key global investors, including Newton Biocapital, Good Growth Capital and Okeanos. Alain Parthoens, CEO of Newton Biocapital, expressed enthusiasm for AdipoPharma's mission, stating that a treatment focused on insulin resistance could significantly improve the lives of millions globally. Amy Salzhauer, managing Partner at Good Growth Capital, highlighted PATAS as a potential therapeutic breakthrough for Type 2 diabetes treatment, noting that it is the first in more than a decade.
Scientific Foundation and Leadership
The company was founded by Vincent Marion, PhD, MSc, a biochemist and researcher at INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research. Dr. Marion has dedicated the last 10 years to researching the role of adipocytes in Type 2 diabetes, an area he explored through the study of rare genetic human diseases. According to Dr. Marion, PATAS represents a scientific breakthrough in treating insulin resistance.
Global Impact of Type 2 Diabetes
More than 500 million people worldwide have Type 2 diabetes/insulin resistance, and that number is expected to reach 1.3 billion by 2050, according to Lancet Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, amputation, and premature death globally. The development of PATAS represents a significant effort to combat this growing health crisis.
Support from French Organizations
As a French-headquartered company, AdipoPharma has received strong support from French government-sponsored organizations designed to promote French Science to the world. Emmanuel Poteaux, Acting CEO of SATT Conectus, noted that the French biotech ecosystem has been closely following and supporting AdipoPharma for several years.
