Argenta Discovery, Zafgen Enter Obesity Drug Pact

Argenta Discovery Ltd. and Zafgen, Inc. have entered a drug discovery collaboration to develop one of Zafgen’s therapeutics programs for obesity. Scientists from the two companies will use Argenta’s expertise in computer-aided drug design, medicinal chemistry, assay development, in vitro screening, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics to accelerate the development of an obesity drug candidate.

Dr. Thomas Hughes, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Zafgen, said, “We are looking forward to working with Argenta Discovery to accelerate one of our important discovery programs towards development. They have a solid and successful track record in drug discovery and through their contracts have placed many compounds into clinical development. Working closely with the Argenta team, we are confident that we will rapidly identify and advance drug candidates for Zafgen. Our unique approach of discovering and developing anti-obesity agents that target adipose vasculature to shrink fat cells to help the body sustain a lean, healthy state offers the possibility of a real breakthrough in this area, where there is considerable unmet medical need.”

Dr. Christopher Ashton, Argenta’s chief executive officer, said, “We are delighted that Zafgen has chosen to collaborate with Argenta on this exciting program. Their decision to work with us is based on our contract research team’s acknowledged expertise, and our ability to offer a fully integrated approach to drug discovery. We look forward to building a successful and long-term partnership with Zafgen.”