Atrogi Publishes on Obesity and Metabolic Advances

Atrogi has announced a significant publication in the Journal of Molecular Metabolism, which illustrates the mechanism of action of their innovative small molecule, ATR-127, designed to combat obesity and metabolic complications. The research, based on preclinical data, confirms that ATR-127 can induce substantial weight loss while maintaining essential lean body mass, a common issue with current anti-obesity treatments.

ATR-127 achieves this by binding uniquely to beta-2 and beta-3 adrenergic receptors, allowing for precise modulation of downstream signaling pathways. This selective activation maximizes the beneficial impact on metabolism and body composition while minimizing the cardiovascular side effects typically seen with nonselective receptor activation. Atrogi's CEO, Alexandra Ekman Ryding, emphasized the significance of this publication, noting that it validates their approach to developing a novel treatment for obesity. The company plans to advance their next-generation small molecules for obesity treatment to IND preparatory studies in the first half of the next year and aims to enter clinical trials by 2026.

Professor Tore Bengtsson, Atrogi's founder and CSO, and a Professor of Physiology at Stockholm University, highlighted the high demand for new obesity treatments that do not have severe side effects or cause muscle loss. He believes that Atrogi's dual receptor beta-agonist approach could revolutionize obesity treatment. Their vision includes offering a holistic treatment for diabesity and steatohepatitis, addressing the disease's root causes while enhancing overall health and quality of life.

The study demonstrated that ATR-127 enhances energy expenditure and promotes favorable metabolic changes, such as skeletal muscle glucose uptake and activation of brown and beige adipose tissue. This leads to healthy weight loss by reducing fat mass while preserving muscle, and it also decreases hepatic inflammation and lipid content. ATR-127’s precise signaling modulation helps avoid excessive cAMP production, thereby reducing cardiac force and mitigating cardiovascular side effects.

This research involved a collaborative international effort, including institutions from Europe and Australia, such as Stockholm University, Monash University, University of Nottingham, Karolinska Institute, Maastricht University Medical Center, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Excellerate Bioscience, Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Tübingen University, University of Copenhagen, University of Queensland, and Queensland University of Technology.

Atrogi's unique platform allows the creation of compounds that can modulate signaling downstream of adrenergic receptors in novel ways. By specifically measuring the activation of various downstream signaling events, Atrogi has developed a proprietary library of compounds that target discrete signaling pathways. This approach aims to enhance beneficial effects while minimizing potential side effects in various therapeutic areas.

The company's iterative drug development method has led to the generation of compounds with optimized signaling profiles and improved efficacy. Atrogi is also working on other GPCR targets, aiming to develop tailored compounds for different clinical conditions, which could lead to safer and more effective treatments.

Since its inception, Atrogi has raised over €24 million from investors, including Flerie Invest and Korea Investment Partners. The company has also secured over €1.5 million in grants from international organizations like Eurostars and SweLife, recognizing their pioneering work in receptor signaling.

Atrogi, based in Solna near Stockholm, Sweden, continues to advance its innovative treatments for metabolic disorders, with a keen focus on addressing the underlying causes of diseases while enhancing patients' quality of life.