High demand for new metabolic therapies

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are among the most common chronic metabolic diseases worldwide, affecting more than 500 million adults. These diseases lead to significant health complications and, at the same time, generate high economic costs. In Europe, these are estimated at over EUR 160 billion annually.

A major problem is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects around 70 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes. Despite its high clinical relevance, there are currently few approved drug therapies in Europe.

Tissue-specific regulation via novel proproteins

The proP project pursues a novel therapeutic approach based on synthetic proproteins. These are designed to act as dual agonists and antagonists, thereby modulating different signalling pathways in a tissue-specific manner.

The aim is to exert a differentiated influence on key metabolic processes in order to specifically improve both blood glucose regulation and liver function. Compared with conventional systemic therapies, this approach opens up the possibility of more precise, cell-type-specific intervention.

The development builds on a successful exploratory phase, during which intellectual property rights were secured and interest was shown by the pharmaceutical industry.

From molecular development to therapeutic validation

During the GO-Bio initial feasibility phase, the focus is on optimising the dosage form and on experimental studies to demonstrate proof-of-principle. In parallel, the platform technology is being further developed to open up additional applications in other metabolic and potentially oncological diseases.

In the long term, the aim is for this approach to evolve into a scalable therapeutic platform that can be applied beyond the treatment of type 2 diabetes, opening up new options for metabolic disorders.

To learn more about funded GO-Bio projects, visit the overview page.