27 September 2021 - - Chinese biopharmaceutical company Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals has acquired the rights to develop and commercialize DD01 in mainland China from South Korea- and US-based clinical-stage biotechnology company D and D Pharmatech, Inc, D and D said.

DD01 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor / glucagon receptor (GLP-1R/GCGR) dual agonist for the treatment of obesity, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetes.

D and D will retain all rights for the rest of the world.

In connection with this agreement, D and D will receive an upfront payment of USD4 m and is eligible to receive additional undisclosed milestone payments upon achievement of certain development and commercial milestones, as well as double-digit royalties on future net sales.

DD01 is currently being investigated in a phase 1 clinical trial which is being conducted in the US

DD01 is a long-acting dual agonist of the GLP-1R receptor and glucagon receptor. In preclinical models of diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), DD01 was capable of inducing reduction in weight and blood sugar and improvements in insulin sensitivity and lipid and fat metabolism that could ameliorate NASH.

DD01 demonstrated greater efficacy in preclinical models compared to semaglutide, an approved GLP-1R receptor agonist; from a mechanism perspective, the effect of DD01 persisted after cessation of treatment.

DD01 is a proprietary dual agonist of GLP-1R and glucagon receptors being developed as a potential disease-modifying agent for obese and liver fatty disease.

Treatment with DD01 caused weight loss, reduced liver fat and improved glucose tolerance in mouse models of obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease.

D and D Pharmatech is a clinical-stage global biotech company that funds the development of revolutionary medicines through disease-specific subsidiary companies founded and guided by top-tier medical research faculty.

This corporate structure creates a unique opportunity to accelerate translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients.

The company's product pipeline focuses on a range of indications including neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and metabolic diseases. D and D Pharmatech is the parent company of US-based Neuraly Inc., Theraly Fibrosis Inc., Precision Molecular Inc. and Valted Seq Inc., and P4 Microbiome Inc.

Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals is a commercialization stage biopharmaceutical company with experience and expertise drug development and commercialization in the People's Republic of China.

The company covers chemical drugs, biological drugs and medical devices, providing a package of solutions for patients.

The company's product pipeline focuses on a range of indications including cardiovascular, renal, orthopedic, and metabolic diseases.