Lilly Extends Partnership with KeyBioscience

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Eli Lilly and Company is extending its collaborations with KeyBioscience for the development of dual amylin calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRA). These medications are being developed as potential treatments for obesity. The extension of the agreement allows Lilly to maintain the rights to the DACRA platform, which includes a new molecule that is expected to enter Phase 2 studies.

In a press release, KeyBioscience’s parent company CEO Morten Karsdal said, “DACRAs have been shown to be potent weight loss agents with potential for additional insulin sensitization. We are extremely excited to move forward with the clinical program, as this class in other Phase 2 trials has shown significant weight loss in people with obesity and clinically meaningful improvement of glycaemic control. We believe this is a very competitive molecule with very high potency and low immunogenicity risk and look forward to collaborating further with Lilly to advance this important work."

Lilly’s group vice president for diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic research Ruth Gimeno added, “Dual amylin-calcitonin receptor agonists are an emerging new class of obesity therapies with potential benefits in additional indications. We welcome the expanded collaboration with KeyBioscience and are excited to explore the potential of Key's DACRA molecules in the clinic."

In early October, Eli Lilly announced that it was investing $4.5 billion to construct a new advanced manufacturing and drug development site in Indiana.² The Lilly Medicine Foundry will provide the company with ability to produce new medications while also scaling up production of medications entering clinical trials.

In a press release issued at the time, Lilly chair and CEO David A. Ricks said, “As we accelerate our work to discover new medicines for the toughest diseases, we're continuing to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure to support our growing pipeline. In addition to supplying high-quality medicine for our clinical studies, this new complex will further strengthen our process development and scale up our manufacturing capabilities to speed delivery of next-generation medicines to patients around the world."

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb also said, “Lilly's continued investment in Indiana solidifies our state's role as a hub for cutting-edge science and technology. For nearly 150 years, Lilly has been committed to growing its roots and reach in Indiana, cultivating local talent, and driving scientific advancements that benefit patients around the world. I couldn't be more excited about the opportunities Lilly's Medicine Foundry will bring to communities throughout our great state."

Indiana secretary of commerce David Rosenberg added, “Lilly's increased investment in Indiana is creating tremendous new career opportunities for Hoosiers. The LEAP district in Lebanon is quickly becoming an international destination, with $18 billion in committed capital investment on 2,300 acres since its launch in 2022. LEAP and the Hardtech Corridor are attracting global leaders, talent and innovation to Indiana."

Sources

1. KeyBioscience Announces Extension of Strategic Collaboration with Lilly. KeyBioscience AG. October 10, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keybioscience-announces-extension-of-strategic-collaboration-with-lilly-302271654.html
2. Lilly Announces New $4.5 billion Site–the Lilly Medicine Foundry–to Drive Innovation in Drug Production and Make Medicines for Clinical Trials. Eli Lilly and Company. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilly-announces-new-4-5-billion-site---the-lilly-medicine-foundry---to-drive-innovation-in-drug-production-and-make-medicines-for-clinical-trials-302264905.html