AstraZeneca Completes SixPeaks Bio Acquisition to Advance Obesity Treatments

AstraZeneca has finalized its acquisition of SixPeaks Bio, a move intended to accelerate the development of next-generation obesity treatments. The deal encompasses an immediate payment of $170 million (approximately €147M), with an additional $30 million (approximately €26M) scheduled for payment in two years. Furthermore, up to $100 million (approximately €86.5M) will be disbursed upon the successful achievement of regulatory milestones.

SixPeaks Bio's Origins and Focus

SixPeaks Bio was established in 2022 at Versant's Ridgeline Discovery Engine, located in the Basel Technology Park. Its mission is to create enhanced therapies for healthy weight loss. Launched last year around May, the company secured $30 million in Series A financing, spearheaded by founding investor Versant Ventures. AstraZeneca also participated in this financing round, committing up to $80 million in capital, including initial and near-term payments. As part of the agreement, AstraZeneca obtained the option to acquire SixPeaks at a pre-determined price upon submission of an IND application for the biotech firm's leading antibody.

AstraZeneca's Strategy for Obesity Treatment

According to reports, AstraZeneca's acquisition of SixPeaks will aid in the development of obesity medications designed to maintain muscle mass, a common loss associated with drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor muscle mass during weight loss programs. These innovative medicines target activin receptors, potentially aiding in muscle preservation while facilitating fat reduction. At the startup's launch, Alex Mayweg, a managing director at Versant and chairman of SixPeaks' board, emphasized AstraZeneca's strong drive, interest, capability, and motivation to succeed in this field.

SixPeaks' Therapeutic Approach

SixPeaks is focused on developing weight management therapies that prioritize the preservation of lean muscle mass during fat loss. The company's team utilized internal biologics capabilities within Ridgeline to develop an activin IIA/B receptor antibody, aimed at robustly preserving skeletal muscle mass in humans. While GLP-1-based therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in treating obesity and related co-morbidities, patients often experience muscle loss alongside body fat reduction. In fact, muscle loss can account for up to 40% of the weight loss resulting from these medications, according to the company.

Preclinical Study Results

Preclinical research indicates that SixPeaks' lead molecules exhibit greater effectiveness and improved properties compared to competing antibodies, with reduced off-target binding. In studies using both lean and obese mouse models, SixPeaks' lead molecules demonstrated high efficacy in preserving muscle mass, both independently and in combination with GLP-1 agonists. Furthermore, the company has combined its activin receptor IIA/B antibody with a GLP-1 peptide, resulting in a novel therapy with the potential to promote significant weight loss while safeguarding muscle mass. This approach is being expanded to create additional molecules that can assist with weight management and related health concerns.