Versant Ventures has introduced Pep2Tango Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology startup dedicated to pioneering next-generation therapies for weight loss. The company has secured significant, albeit undisclosed, funding to advance the development of its innovative unimolecular tetra-receptor agonist peptides designed to treat obesity and its associated conditions.

Addressing limitations of GLP-1 therapies

While GLP-1-based therapies have shown efficacy in addressing obesity and related co-morbidities, they are associated with significant drawbacks, such as substantial muscle mass reduction—accounting for up to 40% of total weight loss. This adverse effect, particularly in elderly patients, poses long-term health risks and diminishes the appeal of such treatments. Additional tolerability challenges have further limited their utility.

Pep2Tango aims to overcome these issues through its unique approach. Its lead drug candidates target four receptors—GLP-1, GIP, amylin, and calcitonin—within a single molecule, a strategy that promises improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to first-generation and emerging therapies.

Superior preclinical results

Preclinical studies have demonstrated the superiority of Pep2Tango’s peptides, showcasing enhanced weight loss compared to tirzepatide. Unlike current treatments, Pep2Tango’s approach focuses on selective fat mass reduction while preserving muscle mass. Additional benefits include better blood lipid profiles, improved glycaemic control, and positive effects on liver health.

Seasoned leadership driving innovation

Pep2Tango’s leadership team, helmed by President, CEO, and Chairperson Cristina Rondinone, Ph.D., and Chief Scientific Officer Soumitra Ghosh, Ph.D., brings extensive expertise in drug development. Dr. Rondinone’s previous roles include serving as President of Cellarity and as Senior Vice President at AstraZeneca plc, where she spearheaded cardiovascular and metabolic drug programs. Dr. Ghosh, a co-founder of multiple biotech firms, contributed to the development of notable treatments such as Byetta and Myalept during his tenure at Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The company, founded in 2021 by experienced pharmaceutical executives, aims to address unmet medical needs in metabolic, endocrine, CNS, and cardiovascular disorders through advanced peptide therapies.

Strategic backing and vision

Pep2Tango is supported by Versant Ventures, a leading healthcare venture capital firm with a portfolio exceeding $5.5 billion under management. Carlo Rizzuto, Ph.D., managing director at Versant and Pep2Tango board member, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to redefine obesity treatment through its novel tetra-receptor agonists, which have demonstrated potential to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health while achieving superior weight loss outcomes.

Next steps toward clinical development

Pep2Tango is currently focused on scaling its drug manufacturing processes and conducting IND-enabling studies to facilitate the transition to human clinical trials. The company anticipates filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward revolutionising obesity therapy.

Pep2Tango’s promise

The launch of Pep2Tango Therapeutics underscores the growing emphasis on addressing the challenges of obesity with safer and more effective solutions. Its groundbreaking approach offers the potential to transform patient outcomes while addressing limitations of existing treatments, positioning it as a frontrunner in the evolving landscape of obesity therapeutics.

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