Belgian Biotech Secures $60M for GPCR Antibody Breakthroughs
Brussels, Monday, 9 September 2024.
Confo Therapeutics raises $60 million in Series B funding to advance agonistic GPCR antibodies, targeting rare endocrine diseases and obesity. The company aims to transform treatments for severe illnesses lacking disease-modifying options, leveraging its unique GPCR stabilization technology.
Innovative Therapeutic Targets
Confo Therapeutics, headquartered in Zwijnaarde, Belgium, is pioneering the development of agonistic GPCR antibodies. These antibodies target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play crucial roles in various physiological processes and are implicated in numerous diseases, including rare endocrine disorders and obesity. GPCRs are integral membrane proteins involved in transmitting signals from outside the cell to the interior, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Funding and Research Goals
The $60 million raised in the Series B funding round, led by Ackermans & van Haaren, will be allocated to two Phase 1 clinical trials and advancing two additional programs to IND (Investigational New Drug) and CTA (Clinical Trial Approval) status. CEO Cedric Ververken emphasized the importance of this funding in accelerating Confo’s research and development efforts. The company aims to expand its pipeline, focusing on discovering drug candidates for conditions that currently lack effective treatments.
The Science Behind GPCR Modulation
GPCRs are a large family of receptors that respond to various external signals. When a ligand, such as a drug, binds to the extracellular domain of a GPCR, it induces a conformational change in the receptor, triggering a cascade of intracellular events. Confo Therapeutics’ proprietary technology, known as ConfoBodies, stabilizes these functional conformations, enabling the discovery of drug-like molecules that can selectively target specific GPCRs, including those previously deemed untargetable.
Potential Impact on Healthcare
CEO Cedric Ververken pointed out that over 30% of all current drug sales involve molecules that target GPCRs. The success of GLP-1 agonists in treating diabetes and obesity underscores the potential of GPCR-targeting therapies. Confo Therapeutics aims to develop novel treatments for rare endocrine diseases and next-generation obesity drugs, potentially offering alternatives or complements to existing GLP-1R agonists. The company’s advancements could significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with severe, currently untreatable conditions.
Broader Industry Context
Confo Therapeutics is not alone in the quest to develop effective GPCR-targeting therapies. Companies like Twist Bioscience and Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals are also making strides in this challenging field. The potential of agonistic GPCR antibodies to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and improve treatments for various diseases highlights the broader implications of this research. As of now, no agonistic GPCR antibodies have been fully approved for market, but the ongoing efforts by Confo and its counterparts signal a promising future for this innovative therapeutic approach.
Bronnen
- www.labiotech.eu
- be.linkedin.com
- cn.linkedin.com
- www.fiercebiotech.com
- medtechalert.com
- www.life-sciences-benelux.com