Updated · The Australian Financial Review · Aug 18
Drugmakers Bet 2 Orexin Peptides Could Treat Brain Disorders as GLP-1 Drugs Broaden Reach
Updated
Updated · The Australian Financial Review · Aug 18
Drugmakers Bet 2 Orexin Peptides Could Treat Brain Disorders as GLP-1 Drugs Broaden Reach
2 articles · Updated · The Australian Financial Review · Aug 18
Summary
Two orexin peptides are emerging as drugmakers’ next big peptide bet, with companies targeting a range of brain-related disorders after the class drew renewed attention.
GLP-1 drugs underpin that push: they started as diabetes treatments, then proved highly effective for weight loss and later showed benefits in heart disease, kidney disease and sleep apnoea.
That track record has strengthened the industry view that a peptide first developed for one condition can expand into multiple diseases, including beyond its original organ system.
The orexin push reflects a broader search for similarly versatile medicines in neuroscience, where companies hope brain ailments could become the next major peptide market.