US-based drugmaker Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) and AI-powered RNA genetic medicine specialist Genetic Leap have entered a research collaboration to develop genetic medicines.
The collaboration follows a successful pilot between the two companies.
Under the partnership, Genetic Leap will offer its RNA-targeted AI platform to develop genetic drugs against targets selected by Lilly in high-priority therapeutic areas.
The RNA genetic medicine specialist will receive up to $409m in upfront, and milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties.
Genetic Leap CEO and founder Bertrand Adanve said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Lilly and deeply share their strong commitment to developing RNA medicines.
“Our primary goal in building the Genetic Leap AI platform is to accelerate the development of life-saving medicines for patients, and this collaboration with Lilly’s talented and savvy R&D team takes us significantly closer to that goal.”
In a separate development, Lilly has announced positive topline results for its once weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora), from the Phase 3 QWINT-1 and QWINT-3 clinical trials.
The two Phase 3 studies evaluated efsitora in adults with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin for the first time and in those who have switched from daily basal insulin injections.
In both long-term treat-to-target clinical trials, efsitora showed non-inferior A1C reduction compared to the most frequently used daily basal insulins worldwide.
Also, the drug showed an overall safety and tolerability profile that was consistent with the daily basal insulin therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Lilly product development senior vice president Jeff Emmick said: “Once weekly insulins, like efsitora, have the potential to transform diabetes care as we know it. Many patients are reluctant to start insulin because of the burden it places on them.
“With a simple fixed-dose regimen, once-weekly efsitora could make it easier for people with diabetes to start and manage insulin therapy, while reducing the impact it has on their day-to-day lives.”
