AbbVie and Gubra Ink Deal to Develop Amylin Analog for Obesity Treatment

NORTH CHICAGO, IL, USA and HØRSHOLM, Denmark I March 3, 2025 I AbbVie and Gubra A/S have entered into a licensing partnership to advance the development of GUB014295, a promising long-acting amylin analog designed for obesity treatment. This strategic collaboration leverages AbbVie’s deep expertise in drug development and Gubra’s specialization in peptide-based therapies.

Robert A. Michael, CEO of AbbVie, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting it as AbbVie's entry into the field of obesity treatment. He emphasized the potential of GUB014295 to meet significant patient needs and drive long-term growth for the company. Currently, GUB014295 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. It functions as an amylin receptor agonist, aiming to suppress appetite, reduce food intake, and delay gastric emptying—all critical aspects in addressing obesity.

Roopal Thakkar, M.D., AbbVie's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, and Chief Scientific Officer, stressed the global health challenges posed by obesity. With nearly 900 million adults affected worldwide, there is a pressing demand for innovative treatment solutions. AbbVie is committed to fast-tracking the GUB014295 program, building on Gubra's pioneering work in peptide therapeutics.

Henrik Blou, CEO of Gubra, expressed excitement about the alliance with AbbVie, underscoring AbbVie’s strength in drug development and commercialization. He noted that this collaboration is set to expedite the progress of GUB014295, building on the positive results from its initial Phase 1 trial. Blou praised AbbVie’s dedication to this transformative partnership and looked forward to the joint efforts in advancing GUB014295.

Under the agreement, AbbVie will spearhead the global development and commercialization efforts for GUB014295. Gubra will receive an upfront payment of $350 million and could earn up to $1.875 billion in milestone payments related to development, commercialization, and sales. Additionally, Gubra will benefit from tiered royalties on global net sales, contingent on regulatory approvals and standard conditions.

The ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial for GUB014295 is structured as a two-part, single-center study with both single and multiple ascending subcutaneous doses being tested. The trial is double-blind within cohorts and features a randomized, placebo-controlled design. While Part 1 of the trial is complete, Part 2 continues. This trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of GUB014295 in addressing obesity.

AbbVie is a company committed to discovering and delivering innovative treatments for serious health conditions, with operations spanning various therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Gubra, established in 2008, specializes in pre-clinical contract research and peptide-based drug discovery, focusing on metabolic and fibrotic diseases. This partnership marks a significant step in addressing global health challenges related to obesity, potentially bringing new hope to millions struggling with this condition.