Versant Ventures has announced the launch of Pep2Tango Therapeutics Inc., a new startup focused on next-generation weight loss treatments. The company will use funds from a significant, undisclosed investment round to advance the development of its innovative unimolecular tetra-receptor agonist peptides, designed to treat obesity and related metabolic conditions.
While GLP-1-based therapies have shown effectiveness in addressing obesity and its associated health issues, they come with drawbacks, including up to 40% of weight loss from muscle mass reduction, which can lead to long-term side effects, especially for older patients. Additionally, issues with tolerability have limited the long-term benefits of these treatments.
Pep2Tango’s lead drug candidates aim to overcome these challenges. The company’s molecules are engineered as unimolecular multi-receptor peptide agonists that target GLP-1, GIP, amylin, and calcitonin receptors. This unique combination offers significant advantages over existing therapies, with preclinical studies showing superior weight loss compared to tirzepatide. Pep2Tango’s treatments promote fat mass reduction while preserving muscle mass, improving blood lipid profiles, enhancing glycemic control, and delivering positive effects on the liver.
The company’s research is led by an experienced team, including President, CEO, and Chairperson Cristina Rondinone, Ph.D., and CSO Soumitra Ghosh, Ph.D. Dr. Rondinone previously served as president of Cellarity and in senior roles at AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Roche, and Abbott Laboratories. Dr. Ghosh co-founded several biotech companies and was an executive director at Amylin Pharmaceuticals, contributing to the development of several approved drugs, including Byetta®, Symlin®, and Bydureon®.
“We are excited to have Versant’s support as we advance our programs toward clinical development,” said Dr. Rondinone. “There is a critical need for safe and effective obesity therapies that preserve muscle mass, and we believe our approach can significantly improve patient outcomes.”
Versant’s managing director, Carlo Rizzuto, Ph.D., and a board member of Pep2Tango, added, “We’re excited to partner with Pep2Tango’s experienced team. We believe the company’s tetra-receptor agonists have the potential to redefine obesity treatment with superior weight loss, metabolic, and cardiovascular benefits.”
Pep2Tango is focused on scaling up manufacturing for its drug candidates and conducting IND-enabling studies, with plans to submit an IND in 2025.
