Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd (HKG: 1177) through its subsidiary Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, has entered into a licensing agreement with Gmax Biopharm, securing exclusive development and commercialization rights in Greater China for Gmax’s GMA106. The agreement involves Sino Bio paying Gmax Bio a combined USD 57 million in upfront and milestone payments.
GMA106: A Dual-Action Therapy for Obesity
GMA106 is a novel molecule that acts as a gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activator. Developed on Gmax’s proprietary M-Body platform, GMA106 is designed to specifically block the GIPR signal pathway while activating GLP-1R. This dual action aims to reduce body fat accumulation, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite. The GIPR, a gut protein involved in digestion, is associated with human body mass index (BMI), making it a promising target for obesity treatment. Additionally, GIPR’s role in enhancing GLP1 agonists in diabetes care and mitigating side effects like nausea and vomiting is significant.
Clinical Trial Results and Market Potential
GMA106 demonstrated good tolerability and safety in a Phase I clinical study conducted in Australia, with no significant side effects and a long antibody half-life of 53 days. Unblinded pharmacodynamic data indicates that GMA106 significantly prevents weight regain after discontinuation of administration (3-5 months) following weight loss. According to Barclays data, the global weight loss therapy market is projected to exceed USD 200 billion by 2030, highlighting the substantial market potential for effective obesity treatments like GMA106.-Fineline Info & Tech
