The success of GLP-1 therapies in treating diabetes and obesity proves peptides are powerful therapeutic agents capable of addressing large unmet needs, and innovative new peptide therapies are now in development for psoriasis and other I&I conditions. Orals could grow the markets substantially.
Protagonist Therapeutics (NASDAQ: PTGX) was early to recognize the transformative potential of oral peptides. The company has dedicated significant resources to overcoming the challenges of oral peptide delivery. Its approach involves intricate biochemical engineering to ensure that these peptides can survive the journey through the digestive system and reach their targets effectively.
Developing a stable, orally bioavailable peptide requires innovative solutions to protect these molecules from degradation. Protagonist’s work in this area involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches to biochemistry, aiming to create a new class of medicines that combine the specificity of peptide-based therapies with the ease of oral administration.
Protagonist’s work in this area involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies and novel approaches to biochemistry, aiming to create a new class of medicines that combine the specificity of peptide-based therapies with the ease of oral administration.
JNJ-2113 (formerly known as PN-235), a first-in-class targeted oral peptide designed to selectively block the IL-23 receptor, was discovered and is being developed pursuant to the license and collaboration agreement between Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson. Protagonist completed a Phase 1 study of JNJ-2113 in October of 2021 and Johnson & Johnson retains exclusive, worldwide rights to develop in Phase 2 and beyond, and to commercialize compounds derived from the research conducted pursuant to the agreement against a broad range of indications.
In early 2024, JNJ-2113 is being studied in the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study and in the ICONIC program, which includes four Phase 3 studies for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. In a recent Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Business Review, it was suggested sales of this drug could reach $5 billion annually.
Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, along with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, are effective but expensive, costing over $10,000 annually and available only as injections. In good news for needle-shy patients, Novo Nordisk’s oral peptide demonstrated 15.1% weight loss in a late-stage trial. The shift to oral treatments for obesity could be a game-changer, making it easier for primary care doctors to prescribe and patients to adhere, on top of lowering costs and widening access.
The success of GLP-1 therapies for diabetes and obesity highlights the potential of peptides in healthcare. Innovative peptide therapies, including oral options, are emerging for immune-mediated inflammatory conditions (I&I), promising market growth. Protagonist Therapeutics leads in this field, with further breakthroughs expected, offering hope and improved care for I&I patients.