Nxera Pharma has launched a broad proprietary pipeline focused on next-generation therapies for obesity and related metabolic conditions. The pipeline is led by a new oral small molecule GLP-1 agonist and six additional programmes targeting GIP, Amylin and Apelin receptors.
The company’s approach is designed to address long-term weight management, co-morbid metabolic disorders and muscle preservation during weight loss. These programmes are independent of Nxera’s collaborations with Pfizer and Eli Lilly.
President and CEO Chris Cargill said: “Nxera scientists were among the pioneers in elucidating the structure of the GLP-1 receptor and other key receptors being targeted, giving us a clear advantage in developing potentially best-in-class next generation drug candidates.”
He added: “Today, we reveal the addition of these programs to our discovery portfolio, and are confident in achieving significant progress over the mid-term, delivering clear value for shareholders and patients in the rapidly expanding obesity market, projected to exceed US$100 billion annually in global sales.”
Nxera’s GLP-1 programme is wholly owned and developed independently from Pfizer’s discontinued phase 1 candidate PF-06954522. The company retains full control over its development strategy.
The six complementary programmes include three small molecule agonists (GIP, Apelin, Amylin), one GIP antagonist and two long-acting therapies with undisclosed targets. All leverage Nxera’s NxWave™ structure-based design platform and proprietary libraries.
Nxera aims to deliver scalable oral therapies for sustained weight loss, improve outcomes in cardiovascular, renal and liver diseases, and expand treatment options for elderly and sarcopenic populations.
The company continues to invest in neurology, gastroenterology and immunology, applying its platform across multiple therapeutic areas. Discussions with Pfizer are planned regarding future opportunities for GLP-1 molecules discovered under their collaboration.
