10:27 AM EST, 03/03/2025 (MT Newswires) -- AbbVie ( ABBV ) on Monday said it struck a licensing deal with Danish biotechnology company Gubra to develop a potential candidate for obesity treatment.

AbbVie ( ABBV ) will be responsible for the global development and commercialization activities of GUB014295, a potential long-acting amylin analog that specifically activates amylin and calcitonin receptors, it said in a joint statement. Amylin has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for obesity treatment as it activates signals to the brain to suppress appetites and reduce food intake.

Under the terms, AbbVie ( ABBV ) will pay Gubra $350 million upfront and potentially up to $1.88 billion based on development, commercial and sales milestones. Gubra will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties on sales around the world. The transaction requires approval from regulators.

"Our partnership with Gubra marks our entry into the obesity field, offering a compelling opportunity based on the potential to address patient needs while also fostering long-term growth for our company," AbbVie ( ABBV ) Chief Executive Robert Michael said.

GUB014295 is currently in a two-part phase 1 trial, with the first portion completed in November and the second part ongoing, according to the companies.

"We are excited to partner with AbbVie ( ABBV ) given its strong capabilities in both the development and commercialization of life-changing medicines," Gubra CEO Henrik Blou said. "This collaboration between Gubra and AbbVie ( ABBV ) will accelerate the development of GUB014295 and build on the promising data shown in its phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) trial."

AbbVie ( ABBV ) reported at the end of January its fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.16 a share, down from $2.79 the year before. Revenue improved 5.6% year over year to $15.1 billion.

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