Heptares and Jitsubo to develop GPCR-targeting peptide candidates

Sosei Group’s subsidiaries, Heptares Therapeutics and Jitsubo have entered into a collaboration to develop peptide candidates designed to target a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in severe gastrointestinal disorders.

Under the collaboration, Jitsubo will apply its Peptune and Molecular Hiving peptide engineering technologies and medicinal chemistry capabilities to a GPCR target selected by both Jitsubo and Heptares.

Heptares has significant insights into the 3D structure of the receptor via its proprietary StaR platform. The target GPCR plays an important role in several GI indications and is currently in discovery phase.

Heptares will be responsible for development and commercialisation of any peptide candidates that emerge from the collaboration, and will make payments to Jitsubo on achievement of agreed milestones, plus royalties on future sales of any resulting products. No further details are disclosed.

Fiona Marshall, CSO at Heptares and Sosei, added: “There are a significant number of GPCRs with strong biological and clinical validation for their role in disease, and whose functions are modulated by peptides. We are particularly keen to leverage this collaboration to generate new peptide drug candidates that Heptares can develop itself.”