Nimbus Therapeutics, LLC, a biotechnology company that designs and develops medicines leveraging its computational drug discovery engine, has achieved a significant preclinical milestone under its collaboration with Lilly, targeting a specific isoform of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases.

AMPK, a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism, is a recognized promising therapeutic target. Despite its potential, developing selective activators of specific AMPK isoforms has remained technically challenging, with previous attempts to effectively drug the target proving unsuccessful. Throughout their collaboration, Nimbus has leveraged its computational approaches and structure-based drug design capabilities to help overcome these historical obstacles.

“Our team has solved a decades-old challenge in drug development with the discovery of a highly selective isoform-specific AMPK activator. This success demonstrates the power of Nimbus’ computational approach to drug discovery combined with Lilly’s deep expertise in cardiometabolic disease. I am excited by the potential of this molecule to make a meaningful difference for patients,” said Peter J. Tummino, Ph.D., President of R&D. “I look forward to continuing to apply Nimbus’ discovery engine to address targets across metabolic, cardiovascular, and obesity-related diseases.”

The companies entered into a research collaboration and exclusive, worldwide license agreement in October 2022 for the development and commercialization of small molecule activators of AMPK. Under agreement, Nimbus is responsible for research activities and Lilly is responsible for development and commercialization efforts worldwide. Nimbus is eligible to receive research, development, and commercial milestone payments up to $496 million, in addition to royalties on global sales.