Nxera Pharma partners with Antiverse to develop antibodies targeting GPCRs

Nxera Pharma, previously recognised as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has entered into a strategic partnership and licensing agreement with techbio company Antiverse. The collaboration centres on the design of antibodies for G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play a critical role in numerous physiological processes and are often challenging targets in drug discovery.

Antiverse leverages its expertise in generative AI for antibody design, boasting a unique machine-learning approach that produces epitope-specific libraries. This technology is now being combined with Nxera’s NxWave™ platform, which specialises in the selection, validation, and structural determination of GPCR targets. The partnership marks a significant step towards developing transformative therapies for diseases that currently lack effective treatments.

The initial project under this multi-target collaboration aims to design antibodies with agonistic functions targeting a particularly challenging GPCR. These type of receptors are integral to cellular signalling and are implicated in a wide variety of diseases, yet many remain undrugged, highlighting the potential impact of this research.

The agreement stipulates that Antiverse will gain upfront payments and research funding. Additionally, the company stands to receive milestone payments as the collaboration progresses. Importantly, Nxera will secure an exclusive worldwide license to any resulting antibody assets. This license grants them complete rights to further develop and commercialise these candidates, potentially advancing them from the laboratory to clinical and market applications.

In statements from both companies, there is a clear expression of optimism and commitment. Murat Tunaboylu, Co-founder and CEO of Antiverse, highlighted the significant number of GPCRs that remain undrugged despite their known links to diseases. Tunaboylu stressed the essential role of antibodies in addressing these targets and expressed confidence in their collaboration with Nxera to make headway in developing life-altering therapies for patients.

From Nxera’s perspective, Matt Barnes, EVP and President of Nxera Pharma UK, along with his role as Head of R&D, emphasised the utility of their NxWave platform. Barnes noted the platform’s efficacy in facilitating antibody discovery for GPCR targets. He conveyed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Antiverse and the opportunity to develop new biologic therapeutics for diseases where patients’ needs are currently unmet.

Financially, Nxera has reported that the collaboration is not expected to materially impact their financial performance for the full year 2024, suggesting a focus on long-term therapeutic and collaborative goals rather than immediate financial gains. This alliance signals a strategic effort to innovate and potentially reshape treatment options in the realm of GPCR-related diseases through the combined strengths of biotechnological platforms and artificial intelligence-driven design.

Source: Noah Wire Services