Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Fintech PR

Antag Therapeutics Announces €80 Million Series A Financing

Published

on

antag-therapeutics-announces-e80-million-series-a-financing

— Round led by Versant Ventures with participation from founding investor Novo Holdings and new investors SR One, Dawn Biopharma and Pictet– 

–Entering Phase I testing for next-generation weight loss therapy by antagonizing GIPR–

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Antag Therapeutics, a next-generation biopharmaceutical company pioneering novel treatments for obesity, today announced the closing of an €80 million Series A financing. The round was led by Versant Ventures, with participation from Novo Holdings, SR One, Dawn Biopharma (a platform controlled by KKR), Pictet, Longview Ventures (an affiliate of Broadview Ventures), and Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO). The funds will support the clinical development of AT-7687, a novel, once-weekly subcutaneous antagonist of the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor (GIPR), and also fueling the expansion of Antag’s pipeline of monthly injectable therapies.

GLP-1-based therapies have revolutionized obesity management, but for some patients can cause tolerability issues, loss of muscle mass, and suboptimal weight-loss. This highlights the need for complementary pharmacological approaches.

The genetic basis for antagonizing GIPR is clear. Individuals with naturally occurring genetic GIPR variants that reduce its activity have lower BMI and body fat percentages, resulting in a leaner phenotype compared to those with normal GIPR function.

The development of Antag’s lead molecule is rooted in the groundbreaking identification of an endogenous GIPR antagonist by University of Copenhagen professors Jens Holst, renowned for his discovery of GLP-1, and Mette Rosenkilde. Both co-founded Antag and bring extensive expertise in incretin biology spanning decades. Professor Holst also chairs Antag’s scientific advisory board.

AT-7687 is a peptide designed to be co-administrated with current or future obesity therapies including GLP-1 medicines to deliver superior weight loss and metabolic benefits. This flexibility in dosing provides multiple advantages over competing GIPR blockers such as antibodies directly conjugated to GLP-1. These include the ability to optimally drug each target for maximal efficacy and tolerability. In addition, AT-7687 also can be used as a single agent in the maintenance setting.

In non-human primate studies, AT-7687 plus a GLP-1 produced best-in-industry weight loss. Furthermore, AT-7687 improved glycemic control and lipid profiles independent of weight changes. Importantly, these benefits were achieved without gastrointestinal side effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently accepted Antag’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AT-7687, setting the stage for clinical development to begin early next year. The trials will explore the effects of AT-7687 as both a monotherapy and in combination with a GLP-1 receptor agonist in obese patients. Antag’s pipeline also includes combinations beyond GLP-1 receptor agonists and a follow-on molecule that enables monthly administration.

“The backing of such a strong syndicate of global investors is a testament to our pioneering approach to developing novel therapies for patients with obesity,” said Alexander Hovard Sparre-Ulrich, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Antag. “Coupled with our recent IND clearance, this investment allows us to accelerate the development of AT-7687 towards important clinical milestones. We believe our first-in-class peptide’s weight loss profile and flexible dosing will be key drivers of differentiation.”

Advertisement

“Antag’s peptides will have important advantages given their ability to be used alone or optimally combined with other incretin-based agents, in both weekly or monthly formats,” said Alex Mayweg, Ph.D., Managing Director at Versant and an Antag board member. “GIP receptor antagonism is just beginning to reveal its incredible potential, both in diabetic and non-diabetic obesity, and we are pleased to be at the forefront of this developing field.” 

“Novo Holdings was the first investor in Antag and we were excited by great science and a world-renowned founder team,” said Jeroen Bakker, Partner, Seed Investments, Novo Holdings. “We are proud to close this Series A round, which brings several blue-chip investors on board. This funding marks a pivotal step in advancing Antag’s pipeline, which we are confident could play a crucial role in further improving the lives of people with obesity.”

About Antag Therapeutics

Antag Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing novel therapies for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases through GIP receptor antagonism. As a pioneer in exploring the potential of GIP receptor antagonists, the company is dedicated to advancing science and improving patient outcomes by delivering groundbreaking solutions that address unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit https://antagtherapeutics.com.

About Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures is a leading healthcare venture capital firm committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build the next generation of great companies. The firm’s emphasis is on biotechnology companies that are discovering and developing novel therapeutics. With $5.5 billion under management and offices in the U.S., Canada and Europe, Versant has built a team with deep investment, operating and R&D expertise that enables a hands-on approach to company building. Since the firm’s founding in 1999, more than 100 Versant companies have achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs. For more information, please visit www.versantventures.com.

About Novo Holdings A/S

Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2023, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 149 billion. www.novoholdings.dk 

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society.

Advertisement

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/antag-therapeutics-announces-80-million-series-a-financing-302321184.html

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fintech PR

Xinhua Silk Road: Annual analysis report on taro price index released at the 2024 Boao Forum for Entrepreneurs

Published

on

xinhua-silk-road:-annual-analysis-report-on-taro-price-index-released-at-the-2024-boao-forum-for-entrepreneurs

BEIJING, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The annual analysis report on the taro price index was released during the 2024 Entrepreneurs Boao Forum on Monday, which plays a vital role in integrating the taro industry with finance and technology through digitization, further boosting the high-quality development of the taro industry in Hezhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Hezhou has adopted an industrialized approach and an innovative mindset to foster the cluster development of the traditional taro industry, turning taro into a new growth driver that revitalizes the consumer market.

“Hezhou is not only one of the largest areas in China for continuous taro planting, but also home to major clusters of taro processing, such as Babu District and Pinggui District. Meanwhile, our products are exported worldwide,” said Quan Changwen, director of the Hezhou municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.

Meanwhile, the taro planting in Hezhou covers an areas of over 170,000 mu (around 11,333 hectares). The city has fostered 31 taro processing enterprises with an annual processing capacity exceeding 270,000 tonnes. Empowered by overseas warehouses and cross-border e-commerce platforms, taro products from Hezhou are exported to regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2023, the city exported 1,670 tonnes of taro worth 31.5 million yuan (around 4.32 million U.S. dollars).

The price index of agricultural products, which combines the digital economy with the agriculture and forestry, has become a powerful engine for many regions to deepen market-oriented economic reforms, enhance brand influence, and promote the sustainable industrial development. The release of the taro price index gives a major boost to upgrading Hezhou’s industrial ecosystem, building the brand of Hezhou Taro and enhancing its influence in pricing.

Furthermore, the release of the price index will not only offer multi-dimensional market insights and data guidance for the taro industry, but will also enhance the impact of Hezhou Taro as it expands its market reach, according to insiders.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343432.html

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2574037/pic.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-annual-analysis-report-on-taro-price-index-released-at-the-2024-boao-forum-for-entrepreneurs-302323315.html

Continue Reading

Fintech PR

Costa Rica’s digital identity reflects its international growth

Published

on

costa-rica’s-digital-identity-reflects-its-international-growth
  • A study by the international firm Bloom Consulting indicates a remarkable growth in searches in both sectors.

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new analysis of Costa Rica’s identity and digital footprint reveals that the country has consolidated its position by showing significant growth in tourism and exports, according to the 2022-2023 study conducted by Bloom Consulting for esencial COSTA RICA.

Based on more than 12.4 million searches, this report highlights how Costa Rica has managed to capture global interest in key areas such as tourism, investment, and exports. In addition, it underlines the country’s alignment with the principles of sustainability, a central issue for Costa Rica at the global level. In particular, the aspects of renewable energy, carbon neutral and sustainable products occupy a prominent place in international searches, reflecting the growing perception of the country as a leader in the fight against climate change and in the use of clean technologies, aligning with the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA that seeks to consolidate the country as a world leader in sustainability.

“This fingerprint study is an invaluable tool to understand how Costa Rica is perceived globally and which aspects generate the most interest in key sectors. It allows us to fine-tune our strategies, projecting the value of Costa Rica in a way that connects with those seeking authentic and reliable experiences in a destination of quality and sustainability, “commented Adriana Acosta, Director of esencial COSTA RICA.

Tourism-related searches reached 11 million, positioning Costa Rica as one of the most attractive destinations in the world. The United States leads with almost 50% of these searches, followed by Canada and Germany. Ecotourism, surfing, and luxury tourism niches remain strategic, and searches related to sustainable activities, such as bird watching, hiking, and tourism in national parks.

In addition to its strong performance in tourism, Costa Rica has recorded a significant 8% increase in export-related searches. Products such as coffee, flowers and cocoa are the most sought after, with notable increases such as 20% in cocoa searches and 16% in coffee. This shows the competitiveness of Costa Rican exportable supply in international markets, particularly in Europe and North America.

Investment searches grew 17%, highlighting topics such as “labor costs,” “port infrastructure,” and “clean energy.” These data confirm the growing interest of international investors in Costa Rica, positioning it as an attractive destination for the development of its operations.

One of the highlights of the study is the strength of Costa Rica’s digital footprint. Content generated by official sources in the country appears in 83% of searches, which ensures that international perception is aligned with Costa Rica’s real offer.

The institutions that are part of the governance of the Country Brand play a key role in this positioning, managing reliable and up-to-date information in strategic sectors such as tourism, investment and exports.

The analysis also shows how Costa Rica has recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels of global interest, particularly in tourism, with a 42% growth in searches. This increase is driven by the reactivation of tourism in key markets such as the United States and Europe, which indicates a strong return of this activity after the pandemic.

“One of the objectives of the 2035 Strategy of esencial COSTA RICA is for our country to consolidate its global positioning as an example of sustainability and fight against climate change; and this new digital footprint study allows us to continue evaluating the perceptions of consumers who seek Costa Rica for different objectives, to continue working on those messages,” Acosta concluded.

With a robust digital identity and an effective content strategy, Costa Rica continues to consolidate its presence in key markets, attracting both tourists and investors and exporters from all over the world, which generates new opportunities for economic development and well-being for Costa Ricans.

Advertisement

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2572530/shutterstock_1703256913.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/costa-ricas-digital-identity-reflects-its-international-growth-302323145.html

Continue Reading

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins)

Published

on

fintech-pulse:-your-daily-industry-brief-(axos-bank,-global-trading-network,-fonepay,-compass-plus-technologies,-instacoins)

 

Axos Bank Partners with Way.com to Address Rising Car Costs

Axos Bank has teamed up with Way.com to help customers mitigate increasing car expenses. This partnership focuses on vehicle refinancing and aims to offer savings through integrated digital solutions. By combining Way.com’s auto services with Axos’ financial products, users can streamline their vehicle-related expenses, from insurance to payments. This move reflects Axos’ strategy to enhance its consumer offerings by leveraging partnerships in niche sectors.

Source: Axos Bank.

Brazil’s Largest Drug Gang Under Investigation for Fintech Infiltration

Brazilian authorities are probing the country’s largest drug gang for using fintech platforms to launder money. This investigation highlights concerns over the growing use of digital financial tools by organized crime. The gang allegedly exploited fintech’s lack of stringent oversight compared to traditional banking, raising red flags about regulatory gaps in the digital financial landscape.

Source: Bloomberg.

GTN Appoints New CEO to Drive European Expansion

Global Trading Network (GTN) has appointed Christopher Gregory as CEO for Europe, marking a pivotal step in its strategic expansion across the continent. Gregory, known for his expertise in fintech and capital markets, is expected to lead GTN’s efforts in diversifying its product offerings and enhancing its market presence. This leadership shift underscores GTN’s commitment to capitalizing on Europe’s burgeoning fintech market.

Source: PR Newswire.

Fonepay and Compass Plus Launch Nepal’s First Virtual Credit Card

Nepal’s digital payments ecosystem takes a leap forward with Fonepay partnering with Compass Plus Technologies to introduce the nation’s first virtual credit card. This innovation aims to promote cashless transactions and enhance financial inclusion by offering secure, contactless payment options. This development aligns with Nepal’s digital transformation goals and is set to redefine consumer payment experiences in the region.

Source: Fintech Futures.

Advertisement

Instacoins Partners with Luxury Brands for Digital Payments

Instacoins is expanding its footprint in the luxury market by partnering with high-end brands to enable cryptocurrency payments. This initiative is designed to offer affluent customers a seamless digital payment option, blending traditional luxury shopping with modern fintech solutions. The partnership also reflects the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in mainstream commerce.

Source: PR Newswire.

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Axos Bank, Global Trading Network, Fonepay, Compass Plus Technologies, Instacoins) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Continue Reading

Trending