OrsoBio, an obesity-focused startup supported by Eli Lilly, has successfully raised $67 million in a Series B funding round. This investment will accelerate the development of their portfolio of weight loss medications, which target different mechanisms compared to the GLP-1 therapies currently marketed by Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
OrsoBio's Novel Approach to Obesity Treatment
OrsoBio's strategy involves targeting various aspects of metabolic dysfunction. Two of their drugs are currently in Phase 2 trials for diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as NASH. A third oral medication is expected to enter mid-stage testing in the coming months. This diversified approach aims to address the complex nature of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Vor Bio's Gene-Edited Stem Cell Transplant for AML
Vor Bio has reported promising results from a Phase 1 trial of its experimental therapy, trem-cel, for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The therapy involves transplanting CRISPR-edited stem cells. In all 18 patients who received the transplant, the cells successfully engrafted. Furthermore, the gene edits appeared to protect against on-target toxicity from subsequent dosing with Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) in 10 participants.
Mylotarg, an established AML drug, targets the CD33 protein, which is overexpressed in AML cells. Vor Bio's transplanted cells are engineered to lack CD33, thus shielding them from Mylotarg-related toxicity. This approach could potentially improve the efficacy and safety of Mylotarg treatment in AML patients.
Boehringer Ingelheim Advances Geographic Atrophy Drug
Boehringer Ingelheim is planning to advance an experimental eye drug into Phase 2 testing early next year. This decision follows positive safety data from a Phase 1 trial. The drug, developed using technology licensed from CDR-Life, is designed to treat geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness. Boehringer believes the drug's mechanism of action may allow it to address the underlying pathology of the disease and achieve significant efficacy.
Novartis Licenses Capsid from Voyager Therapeutics
Novartis has licensed a capsid from Voyager Therapeutics for use in developing a gene therapy targeting a rare neurological disease. Capsids are crucial for delivering genetic material to specific cells. Voyager's capsids are designed to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, a significant challenge in treating neurological disorders. This license builds upon an existing collaboration between Novartis and Voyager, further strengthening their efforts in gene therapy development for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. As a result of the license, Novartis will pay Voyager $15 million.
