9 Meters Acquires Investigational Therapy NM-136
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9 Meters Biopharma acquired global development rights to NM-136, a potential Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) therapy, from its maker, Lobesity.
The therapy candidate, formerly known as LOB-0136, aims to reduce obesity among PWS patients by targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), a molecule that helps sugar enter fat cells.
“Continuing to advance NM-136 will be a very important step forward for patients currently living with PWS and suffering from this life-threatening disease,” John Temperato, president and CEO of 9 Meters, said in a press release.
“This meaningful therapeutic complements and broadens our pipeline of digestive disease assets,” he added, “while providing us strategic options within our expanded portfolio.”
Found in the small intestine, GIP — also known as gastric inhibitory peptide — enters the bloodstream after food is ingested. Among its functions, it stimulates insulin secretion, fat production, and sugar uptake into cells. These factors contribute to obesity in PWS and other obesity-related disorders.
NM-136 is a monoclonal antibody that latches onto GIP, preventing it from binding to its receptor on cell surfaces.
The investigational medication markedly lowered weight and abdominal fat, and improved lipid profiles (levels of various fats in the blood) in mouse models of obesity in preclinical studies.
9 Meters Biopharma plans to continue conducting studies in support of filing an investigational new drug application, which is meant to secure regulatory permission to start clinical trials. The company also intends to launch a clinical proof-of-concept study in PWS in 2023.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, 9 Meters Biopharma will acquire LOB-0136 and all associated intellectual property, including analogues of the compound and any related assets. 9 Meters also obtains the right to contingent payments — those dependent on future events — including: global regulatory and milestone payments totaling up to $45.5 million; global sales-related milestone payments totaling another $50 million; and royalties on worldwide net sales (subject to certain adjustments).
“We’re excited to see our science continue through the development process with the 9 Meters team,” said Daniel Lewis, CEO of Lobesity. “Their expertise in the digestive disease space and commitment to patients leaves our team confident that one day patients with PWS may benefit from this novel drug which has shown positive preclinical results.”
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