Sable Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Columbia University to develop new polycation nanomedicines aimed at treating obesity.

This partnership will focus on progressing a portfolio of compounds, SBL-001 and SBL-002, targeting both visceral and subcutaneous adiposity.

Sable will hold sole rights for the development and commercialisation of the intellectual property created by Columbia University's Dr Kam Leong, biomedical engineering professor Samuel Sheng, and Sable Therapeutics scientific co-founder Dr Li Qiang.

SBL-001 and SBL-002 are designed to significantly diminish fat cell volume and have been uniquely engineered for selective uptake by adipose cells.

Key features of the compounds include the ability to reduce fat cell targeted uptake volume by up to 70%.

They can also act as a discrete drug delivery system for other agents, such as GLP-1s, which reduce fat.

Sable Therapeutics focuses on creating assets for fat reduction, targeting conditions such as visceral obesity and subcutaneous fat for aesthetic indications.

Qiang stated: “We are thrilled to transition our research from the lab to clinical development, providing a powerful and unique tool in the fight against obesity.”

Sable Therapeutics co-founder Daniel Chai stated: “This exciting agreement sets Sable Therapeutics apart in both the aesthetic and obesity-related markets. We are excited to partner with Columbia and their team of experts as we continue to develop novel assets for adipose reduction.”

In April 2024, Sable Therapeutics announced plans to sign a licensing agreement under which Liuqiang Medical Technology will acquire sole rights for the development and commercialisation of Sable Therapeutics’ microneedle patch containing SBL-003 and SBL-004 in Greater China.

The product is a“browning” patch intended for targeted aesthetic fat reduction.