The Advantage of GEP-44

Proteins and peptides derived from hormones hold huge potential for preventing and treating metabolic diseases, aiming to manage conditions such as obesity by leveraging peptides to regulate metabolic functions. Peptide-based drug discovery is an important option to address common therapeutic challenges including human neurological diseases. Peptides cover a wide range of therapeutic indications, such as oncology, endocrinology, metabolic, cardiovascular and bone diseases, peptide therapy provides an alternative approach to pain management, for the management and regulation of certain chronic diseases. Therapeutic peptides are new and promising alternatives to treat numerous diseases by promoting biological action via binding and activation of receptors located on the cell surface, followed by internalization of the ligand–receptor complex and activation of downstream signalling pathways. In the context of metabolic therapy, GLP-1 is an ideal nuclear hormone conjugation partner since GLP-1 targets mainly the endocrine pancreas and central nervous system, potentially delivering nuclear hormones preferentially to these tissues.

GEP44 is a Novel Dual-Agonist Peptide (GLP-1 & NPY Receptors) for Weight Loss and Glucose Control.   Over the past 18 months, Robert Doyle, a medicinal chemist, and Jack and Laura H. Milton Professor and Dean's Professor of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University, introduced two new peptide compound discoveries at conferences of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and The Obesity Society. He and his collaborators reported that the compounds notably reduce body weight and normalize blood glucose levels without the typical negative side effects experienced by many patients who take currently available GLP-1 based anti-obesity drugs. Doyle and his fellow researchers have since worked on refining the compounds, GEP44 and KCEM1, and have undertaken lab-animal testing, filed patents, spoken with investors and explored market placement. They believe these drugs, ultimately intended for use in humans, will offer significant advances in how obesity and diabetes are treated in the U.S. and around the world. The researchers have also discovered another highly promising weight-loss compound and new outgrowths that have potential to treat opioid addiction through similar neuroendocrine pathways. 

GEP44 is a targeted peptide therapy that provides potent weight loss and glucose control while preserving β-cell mass. Notably, it delivers these benefits with minimal to no gastrointestinal disturbances or malaise, setting it apart from other GLP-1 agonists. Key benefits include •Superior Weight Loss and Glucose Control, •Better Tolerability vs. Existing GLP-1 Agonists (e.g., Ozempic),  •Preserves β-Cell Mass and Protects Beta-Islet Cells from Inflammation, •Reduced Gastrointestinal Side Effects and Malaise (Unlike Other GLP-1 Agonists),  •Potential Secondary Benefits such as supporting cardiovascular health and may aid in reducing opioid addiction/withdrawal symptoms.

GLUCAPHARM HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE RIGHT TO DEVELOP SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY GEP-44

Discovered and developed by Dr. Robert Doyle and his team at Syracuse University, GEP44 is a novel, monomeric peptide multi- agonist that targets the GLP-1 and NPY receptors. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its equivalent efficacy to Ozempic in achieving weight loss and glucose control, with the added benefit of improved tolerability. GEP44 is part of a series of chimeric peptides designed to target two key receptors: (1) Neuropeptide Y-receptor (Y2-R) to reduce food intake (FI), and (2) GLP1-R to improve glucose regulation. In preclinical studies (male and female rats), GEP44 have shown, a significant reduction in FI (12-65%), improved glucose tolerance and protection of beta-islet cells against inflammatory damage. These findings suggest that GEP44 and related peptides may offer a safe and effective treatment option for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

All compounds are produced in a campus lab at Syracuse University’s Center for Science and Technology equipped as a sort of mini pharmaceutical design and manufacturing centre. The sophisticated machinery was acquired in part through a $3 million grant awarded in 2019 by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)  Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.

More recently, the researchers’ work has been awarded four additional National Institutes of Health grants totalling more than $6 million.

Obesity is a world-wide epidemic and one of the largest therapeutic areas. Obesity is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It leads to excessive fat accumulation, increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Beyond lifestyle changes, effective medical treatments are essential to combat this growing health crisis. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists are highly effective for body weight management; GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, the GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a class of drugs that mimic GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The global GLP-1 analogues market is projected to reach an impressive $471.1 billion by 2032 (Markets and Markets report). GLP-1 has widespread effects: primarily on the intestines, pancreas, stomach, and brain, and GLP-1 agonists are the first drug class to effectively meet market needs for obesity treatment.

Obesity is a world-wide epidemic and one of the largest therapeutic areas. Obesity is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It leads to excessive fat accumulation, increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Beyond lifestyle changes, effective medical treatments are essential to combat this growing health crisis. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists are highly effective for body weight management; GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, the GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a class of drugs that mimic GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The global GLP-1 analogues market is projected to reach an impressive $471.1 billion by 2032 (Markets and Markets report). GLP-1 has widespread effects: primarily on the intestines, pancreas, stomach, and brain, and GLP-1 agonists are the first drug class to effectively meet market needs for obesity treatment.