Innovative melanocortin therapies aimed at obesity and restrictive eating disorders demonstrate synergy with GLP-1s

The University of Michigan’s spin-off entity Courage Therapeutics, which is focusing on treatments for eating disorders and obesity, has secured a seed funding of up to $7.8 million from Arsenal Bridge Ventures.

This funding will allow Courage Therapeutics to finalize crucial testing and development efforts to progress its drug candidates to clinical trials. The startup’s two drug-development initiatives are designed to tackle obesity and restrictive eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and cachexia, by engaging neural pathways in the brain known as the central melanocortin system.

Roger Cone, a professor of molecular and integrative physiology at U-M, has led pioneering research in melanocortins for over thirty years. His research team uncovered the significant roles that two proteins—the melanocortin 3 receptor and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC3R and MC4R)—play in managing energy balance and food consumption.

With assistance from U-M’s Innovation Partnerships, Cone and founding CEO Dan Housman established Courage Therapeutics in 2019 to transform Cone’s research into actionable treatments. Collaborating with medicinal chemist Tomi Sawyer, the team has created promising drug candidates for genetic obesity syndromes.

In contrast to conventional weight-loss medications that simulate gut hormones, Courage Therapeutics’ approach directly alters melanocortin pathways within the hypothalamus, a system known to affect eating behavior and weight control. This method not only targets dietary obesity and genetic obesity syndromes that are not approved for GLP-1 drugs but may also amplify the effects of existing GLP-1 medications for treating dietary obesity.

“Through this strategy, we have swiftly advanced compounds that are even more potent and selective than those currently available on the market regarding their capacity to reduce food intake in mammals,” stated Cone, who also holds the title of Mary Sue Coleman Director of the U-M Life Sciences Institute. “Our partnership with Arsenal Bridge Ventures is vital as we gear up to transition these compounds into clinical trials with patients later this year.”

Isaac Barchas, Managing Director of Arsenal Bridge Ventures, stressed the firm’s strategic emphasis on leveraging leading-edge science from Midwest research establishments.

“Grounded in Cone’s decades of research, Courage Therapeutics has cultivated a robust portfolio and has quickly demonstrated its potential to meet significant medical demands beyond obesity, including other widespread weight regulation disorders,” remarked Barchas.

Housman conveyed enthusiasm regarding the collaboration with Arsenal Bridge Ventures, emphasizing its alignment with Courage Therapeutics’ foundational mission to create the first FDA-approved remedy for anorexia nervosa and address other underserved eating disorders.

“Arsenal Bridge Ventures not only provides crucial funding but also aligns with our vision of building a company focused on comprehensive disease management,” Housman noted.

“Together, we aim to make a substantial difference in the treatment of obesity and restrictive eating disorders, which have traditionally received minimal focus, despite their significant impact on patients and families like mine.”