Graviton Bioscience has secured a strategic investment from Sanofi to develop a selective Rho/Rho-associated coiled coil [a structural motif in proteins] containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitors for serious diseases.
The collaboration grants Sanofi the right of initial negotiation to license compounds for conditions, including immunological and metabolic syndrome indications.
ROCK2 is part of the AGC family of kinases and an effector of the small guanosine triphosphate Rho.
It is associated with the pathology of metabolic, autoimmune, inflammatory and neurological disorders, many of which currently lack adequate treatment options.
Graviton Bioscience CEO and founder Samuel Waksal stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Sanofi as a strategic partner. Their dedication to the development of ROCK2 inhibitor treatments aligns perfectly with our vision.
“This investment opens an exciting new chapter for our vision of advancing and commercialising ROCK2 inhibitors, fostering a future that holds promise for patients globally. We are enthusiastic about the support from Sanofi.”
Graviton is committed to creating therapeutics for autoimmune, CNS, fibrotic and other serious diseases in which ROCK2 and its therapeutic compounds are crucial.
The company’s drug candidate, GV101, is undergoing clinical trials while other assets are progressing through preclinical development.
GV101 stands out as a clinical-stage selective inhibitor of ROCK2, with an ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier evidenced in preclinical studies.
It is now in a Phase I multiple ascending dose trial with healthy subjects and has shown clinically relevant exposure and a favourable safety profile.
A different formulation of GV101 concluded a Phase I single and multiple ascending dose study in China. The drug demonstrated a favourable safety profile at clinically relevant exposures.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson stated: “This investment in Graviton Bioscience reflects our commitment to innovative therapies and providing patients with novel medicines and vaccines.
“Graviton’s scientific expertise in discovering and developing the next wave of innovation has the potential to significantly enhance the landscape of therapeutic possibilities.”
