BL-3020 is a peptide that reduces food intake by binding to specific receptors in the brain that control appetite. In contrast to most peptide-based drugs, it has been made orally available through innovative modifications in its chemical structure. These modifications enable BL-3020 to cross the blood brain barrier, and increase its stability and absorption in the digestive tract.
As a modified peptide, BL-3020 is expected to have various advantages over current drugs, such as minimal immunogenic effects and fewer side effects. Financial terms of the licensing deal were not disclosed.
BL-3020 was invented by Professors Chaim Gilon and Amnon Hoffman of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. BioLineRx plans to develop the compound through BioLine Innovations Jerusalem, under the national biotech grant received in November 2004 from the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist.
“We believe that through its novel mechanism of action and low side effect profile, BL-3020 has tremendous potential to address the growing health threat of obesity,” stated Dr Morris Laster, CEO of BioLineRx. “BL-3020 is a promising addition to our rich pipeline of exciting innovative drug candidates.”
Preclinical experiments conducted at the Hebrew University, showed that oral administration of BL-3020 in mice resulted in a significant decrease in food consumption. The mice did not show any clinical or behavioral abnormalities after administration of BL-3020.
BioLineRx is expected to conduct additional preclinical studies throughout 2006 and 2007, with clinical trials for BL-3020 expected to begin during 2008.