Lilly and KeyBioscience Join Forces on DACRAs

Eli Lilly and KeyBioscience AG are teaming up on the development of dual amylin calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRAs), a potential new class of treatments for metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes, the companies said in a June 8, 2017 statement. According to the terms of the agreement, Lilly will pay KeyBioscience an initial $55 million, with the potential for milestone and tiered royalty payments on future sales.

In a statement, the companies said that the collaboration includes access to the DACRA platform with multiple molecules including KBP-042, KBP-089, and KBP-056. Lilly will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize these molecules. KeyBioscience has initiated Phase II development with KBP-042. Other assets included in the collaboration, engineered for differences in effect or potency, range from Phase I to pre-clinical. The dual activation of calcitonin and amylin receptors is thought to improve insulin sensitivity, suppress food intake, reduce fat deposition, improve blood glucose levels, and cause weight reduction in patients with Type 2 diabetes.