SureNano Science Ltd. (CSE: SURE) (OTCQB: SURNF) has taken a significant step toward clinical development by initiating an IND-enabling program for its lead drug candidate GEP-44, a multi-receptor peptide targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes. The company announced it has begun a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology and pharmacology program aligned with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, a necessary precursor to filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and commencing first-in-human trials.
The program is designed to assess safety, dosing thresholds, and pharmacological effects across multiple species. Preclinical results position GEP-44 head-to-head with market leaders such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, which are part of the rapidly expanding GLP-1 receptor agonist market. The global GLP-1 market is projected to reach between $100 billion and $200 billion by 2030, according to J.P. Morgan estimates, with approximately 25 million patients in the United States alone expected to use GLP-1 therapies by that time.
SureNano’s transition toward a pharmaceutical-focused model follows its acquisition of GlucaPharm, which now operates in the GLP market. The company secured licensing rights to GEP-44 from Syracuse University, developing it as a second-generation incretin-based therapy. The IND-enabling program is expected to support a Phase I clinical trial in Australia, subject to regulatory submission and study outcomes.
Beyond GEP-44, SureNano is exploring acquisition or licensing of Ibogaine-related intellectual property for potential mental health and addiction treatments. This diversification aligns with the company’s broader strategy to address multiple therapeutic areas.
The announcement underscores the competitive landscape of the obesity and diabetes drug market, where novel therapies like GEP-44 aim to differentiate through multi-receptor targeting. As SureNano progresses its preclinical program, investors and industry observers will watch for data from the GLP studies and subsequent regulatory milestones. The company notes that forward-looking statements involve risks, including study results and continued availability of capital, and actual results may differ materially from projections.
For ongoing updates on SureNano Science, visit the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SURNF.
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