Gubra – Peer News from Zealand Pharma

On March 3, Gubra announced that it had entered into a partnership agreement for GUBamy (an Amylin analog), which is currently in Phase 1b. The first data from the Phase 1b MAD (Multiple Ascending Dose) study is expected in April 2025.

Data from the Phase 1a SAD (Single Ascending Dose) study, published in November 2024, demonstrated a favorable efficacy profile with only minor side effects, primarily of a gastrointestinal nature. The average weight loss across all dosage groups (3.5 mg to 6 mg) was 3%, whereas the placebo group experienced a 1% weight gain. The study spanned six weeks, with a half-life of 11 days.

Based on these promising results, Gubra entered into a partnership agreement with AbbVie, securing an upfront payment of USD 350 million, along with up to USD 1.875 billion in development and commercialization milestones, as well as royalties on future sales. The agreement is currently pending regulatory approval.

Read the full announcement here:  Gubra partner agreement

Deal terms Gubra:

Zealand Pharma Announces Partnership Agreement with Roche

Yesterday, Zealand Pharma announced a partnership agreement with Roche for Petrelintide (an Amylin analog), which is currently in Phase 2b, with data pending. The study consists of two parts: ZUPREME-1, focusing on overweight/obesity, and ZUPREME-2, targeting overweight/obesity as well as diabetes. The first part of the study has commenced, while the second part is expected to begin in the first half of 2025.

As part of the agreement, Zealand Pharma will receive an upfront payment of USD 1.65 billion, of which USD 250 million is independent of trial data.

We participated in yesterday’s conference call, where CFO Henriette Wennicke confirmed to attendees that this represents the largest upfront payment for a single project across all therapy and disease areas ever made in the pharmaceutical sector.

Read the full announcement here: Zealand Pharma partner agreement

Deal terms Zealand Pharma:

Both Deals Confirm the Megatrend in Obesity Treatment

Both agreements reaffirm that the megatrend in obesity treatment remains intact, aligning with Goldman Sachs' 2024 projection of a USD 130 billion market by 2030. Today, the market is dominated by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, but we are now seeing more Big Pharma companies entering the space through partnerships with firms like Gubra and Zealand Pharma to develop next-generation therapies.

Both agreements cover therapies with a once-weekly dosing regimen, administered via subcutaneous injection, which can be used as monotherapies or in combination with GLP-1 treatments.

Disclaimer: HC Andersen Capital receives payment from Gubra for a Digital IR/Corporate Visibility agreement.
Claus Thestrup, 6:30 AM, 13.03-2025