Opko Health and Entera Bio have announced a partnership and licence agreement to progress the development of the first oral dual agonist glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucagon, aiming to provide treatment for individuals with metabolic, fibrotic and obesity disorders.
The programme unites Opko’s long-acting oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue, OPK-88006 and Entera’s N-Tab technology.
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Opko will hold 60% and Entera 40% ownership interests. The partnership will account for the corresponding percentage of the programme’s development expenses.
In conjunction with the agreement, Opko has invested in Entera, purchasing 3.69 million ordinary shares at $2.17 each.
Entera plans to use the proceeds to fund its share of costs via Phase I of the development programme.
After the Phase I stage conclusion, Entera may choose to continue funding its share to maintain ownership interest or opt out, in which case it will retain a 15% stake in the oral OXM programme, while Opko will hold 85% and manage further development and funding.
OXM is a hormone that suppresses appetite and induces weight loss, with extra cardioprotective and anti-fibrotic properties.
The companies anticipate submitting an investigational new drug application to the US Food and Drug Administration in 2025.
Opko Health CEO and chairman Phillip Frost stated: “We are pleased to continue working with Entera on this promising programme to develop the first oral GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist in addition to our subcutaneous injectable dual agonist GLP-1/glucagon programme.”
Israel-based clinical-stage company Entera develops protein replacement therapies and oral peptides. Its technology platform, N-Tab, supports a pipeline of five oral peptide programmes.
Entera Bio CEO Miranda Toledano stated: “We have enjoyed our synergistic partnership with Opko. This expanded collaboration on the GLP-1/glucagon programme reinforces our shared vision to develop first-in-class differentiated oral peptide treatments for patients to better manage their health.”
