Verdiva Bio, a new biopharmaceutical company based in London, has emerged with $410 million in Series A funding to tackle the obesity epidemic and related cardiometabolic disorders. The company aims to challenge the dominance of injectable weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy with a pipeline of oral and injectable therapies, including a Phase II-ready oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). This substantial investment signals strong investor confidence in the burgeoning weight loss market and Verdiva's potential to address unmet medical needs.
Oral GLP-1RA as a Key Differentiator
Verdiva's most advanced product, ecnoglutide, is an oral GLP-1RA with the potential to be a first-in-class, once-weekly oral treatment for obesity and weight loss maintenance. According to CEO Khurem Farooq, this therapy could "dramatically improve patient access and affordability" compared to existing injectable options. The company acquired rights to this and other weight loss drugs from Sciwind Biosciences, a Chinese firm. An intravenous formulation of ecnoglutide has already been filed for marketing approval in China by Sciwind Biosciences, adding further momentum to Verdiva’s clinical development program.
Expanding the Pipeline with Amylin Agonists
In addition to the oral GLP-1RA, Verdiva is also developing two amylin agonists: a once-weekly oral version and a long-acting subcutaneous formulation. These therapies will be developed both as monotherapies and in combination with the oral GLP-1 drug. Mohamed Eid, Verdiva’s Chief Medical Officer, noted that the company plans to initiate a Phase 2 study for the GLP-1 agonist later this year and is working to bring the amylin candidates into the clinic as soon as possible. The company also aims to explore the potential of a co-formulated tablet combining the oral amylin agonist with the GLP-1 agonist, as well as a combination of the subcutaneous amylin agonist with a proprietary GLP-1 peptide.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Obesity Treatment
The rise in obesity rates globally has fueled demand for effective weight loss medications. In the US, over 40% of the adult population is obese, and one in eight people report having used a drug like Wegovy or Ozempic at least once. While these drugs have demonstrated significant efficacy, they are often associated with side effects and require administration by injection. Verdiva aims to provide less invasive and more accessible treatment options for a broader patient population.
Strategic Acquisition and Future Growth
Verdiva's strategy reflects a growing trend of Western biotechs acquiring and advancing assets from Chinese pharmaceutical companies. The company plans to further expand its portfolio through additional in-licensing deals, signaling a broader ambition in the obesity and cardiometabolic space. The $410 million Series A funding, co-led by Forbion and General Atlantic, will support the clinical development of Verdiva's pipeline and its efforts to build a leading cardio-metabolic company.
