A San Diego biotech startup focused on treating metabolic and endocrine disorders has picked up a portfolio of drug candidates and a $2.5 million investment from Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND).
Viking Therapeutics said it’s licensed five programs from Ligand, including a Phase 2 program aimed at type 2 diabetes and another at wasting syndrome in cancer.
“Each of the licensed programs has what we believe to be first-in-class or best-in-class characteristics and a differentiated therapeutic profile,” said Brian Lian, president and CEO, in a statement.
Its lead candidate is an oral inhibitor of the enzyme FBPase, which plays an important role in how the body synthesizes glucose. According to Viking, the small-molecule drug has demonstrated safety and tolerability in early clinical trials and is headed for a Phase 2b trial in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Shortly behind is a potential cancer cachexia treatment. The oral, non-steroid drug has a tissue-selective mechanism that’s designed to deliver the therapeutic benefits of testosterone with improved safety and tolerability, according to Viking, which is planning a Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trial.
Three preclinical programs were also included in the deal: two targeting lipid disorders and another oral candidate for anemia.
Under the terms of the deal, Viking is responsible for all development activities related to the drugs. The 2-year-old company will also get a $2.5 million investment from Ligand to cover operating expenses.
A Deep-dive Into Specialty Pharma
A specialty drug is a class of prescription medications used to treat complex, chronic or rare medical conditions. Although this classification was originally intended to define the treatment of rare, also termed “orphan” diseases, affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, more recently, specialty drugs have emerged as the cornerstone of treatment for chronic and complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
[Image credit: Viking Therapeutics]
