Laekna Therapeutics has entered a clinical collaboration with Eli Lilly to accelerate the development of LAE102, a novel Activin Receptor Type 2 A (ActRIIA) Antagonistic Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) for muscle-preserving weight loss in obesity. ActRIIA is a receptor that has been shown to play a critical role in muscle regeneration and lipid metabolism.
In the pre-clinical models, LAE102 has been shown to increase lean mass and decrease fat mass. In combination with GLP1R agonist, LAE102 can further reduce fat mass and significantly regain the lean mass loss induced by GLP1R agonist.
Blocking Activin-ActRII pathway could promote muscle regeneration and decrease fat mass. Laekna team is developing more drug candidates to maximise the value of targeting ActRII receptors. LAE103 is an ActRIIB-selective antibody and LAE123 is a dual inhibitor for ActRIIA/IIB. Both are the company's internally discovered antibodies for muscle regeneration and other disease indications in the drug candidate pipeline.
If successful, LAE102 could, in combination with a GLP1R agonist, further reduce fat mass and significantly regain the lean mass loss induced by GLP1R agonist. This positions LAE102 as a promising complementary drug candidate for achieving quality weight control.
By combining Laekna's novel approach with Lilly's decades-long experience in metabolic diseases, the partnership aims to significantly advance the standard of care in obesity management.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with a great team at Lilly, a renowned global leader in the field of obesity and metabolic diseases, to introduce cutting-edge treatment to patients suffering from such a devastating condition," said Dr Chris Lu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Laekna. "Together with Lilly's vast clinical expertise in the cardiometabolic space, we are optimistic about this collaboration's potential to accelerate the global development of LAE102 and make a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people affected by obesity."
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