Friday, March 29, 2024
Confo Therapeutics, a pioneer in the field of developing innovative medicines targeting G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), has announced today that it has received a substantial EUR 1.6 million grant from Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). This grant, spanning two years, is intended to support Confo's ongoing research and development efforts in discovering next-generation medicines aimed at Class B GPCRs, leveraging its proprietary technology platform. Class B GPCRs are crucial targets for new medicines, particularly in chronic endocrine and metabolic diseases.
Cedric Ververken, CEO of Confo Therapeutics, expressed his appreciation, stating: "This additional grant from VLAIO will enhance our current research in small molecule and antibody discovery targeting Class B GPCRs. It further advances our goal of finding new treatments for various endocrine and metabolic disorders, such as obesity. We are thankful to VLAIO for their continued support, which strengthens our capabilities in Class B GPCR drug discovery and development."
Christel Menet, CSO of Confo Therapeutics, emphasized the ongoing need for improved molecules targeting Class B GPCRs in treating endocrine and metabolic diseases, despite advancements with peptide-based therapies. She noted, "Our platform has shown promise with various targets, including orphan GPCRs and Class B GPCRs. With VLAIO's support, we aim to accelerate our efforts in identifying valuable targets within obesity and related metabolic indications."
Confo's proprietary platform includes ConfoBody® and ConfoChimer® technologies, facilitating the discovery of molecules targeting challenging GPCRs. ConfoBodies® are innovative VHH domains that stabilize GPCRs in desired pharmacological states by binding to their intracellular surface. Additionally, ConfoChimer® technology enables the use of universal ConfoBodies® across the GPCR superfamily, streamlining the discovery process. Confo has an extensive global patent portfolio protecting this suite of technologies.
Source: businesswire.com
