Kallyope and Novo Nordisk have entered into a research collaboration and option agreement to discover novel peptide therapeutics for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Under the joint plan, the two companies will collaborate on in vitro and in vivo studies to validate a number of product candidates. Following validation and option exercise, Novo Nordisk will assume responsibility for further preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and commercialisation.

The gut and the brain are tightly linked via bi-directional communication pathways termed the 'gut-brain axis'. These include released circulating peptides and metabolites, immune factors, and direct neuronal innervation. The gut-brain axis is involved in many important aspects of physiology and plays a significant role in appetite regulation and energy homoeostasis.   

Kallyope has developed an innovative platform to investigate the gut-brain axis and discover new medicines in multiple therapeutic areas. The platform integrates single-cell sequencing, bioinformatics, functional and anatomical circuit mapping and organoids. It has enabled the discovery of new biological mechanisms including multiple potential secreted products from the gut-brain axis that may play a role in metabolism.

"Novo Nordisk is renowned for its expertise in the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics, as well as its commitment to and leadership in therapeutics for obesity and diabetes," said Nancy Thornberry, CEO of Kallyope. "Coupling Novo Nordisk's capabilities with Kallyope's sophisticated platform makes for a very attractive strategic collaboration that complements our small molecule focus."

Said Marcus Schindler, Senior Vice President, Global Drug Discovery at Novo Nordisk: "Kallyope has developed a unique and innovative platform and is led by an outstanding leadership team. In combination with the experience that Novo Nordisk has in the disease biology understanding, peptidomics and peptide production, the projects that we will collaborate on hold potential to make a real difference for people living with diabetes and obesity."

Novo Nordisk has an option to license exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise up to six products discovered in the collaboration. Kallyope will receive an upfront payment and research support for activities conducted in the collaboration and will also receive a licence fee if Novo Nordisk chooses to exercise an option to a therapeutic discovered and validated in the joint research plan. Kallyope will also receive royalties on worldwide product sales of licensed products.