Mercury licenses protein kinase activators to Makoto Life Sciences

Under this agreement, Mercury Therapeutics (MTI) has licensed to Makoto its lead series of high potency activators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a well validated drug target for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

As part of the license, MTI will transfer all assets related to its MT-39 series of indirect AMPK activators, including all materials, research notes, synthetic routes, and the structures of over 40 compounds. MTI will advise Makoto on the continuing development of the MT-39 series.

Neal Birnberg, Mercury’s president and CEO, said: “By finding a development partner for the MT-39 program while continuing to develop direct AMPK activators in-house, this agreement with Makoto complements Mercury’s internal AMPK activator development strategy.”