Peptides Target “Undruggable” Diseases

Why It Matters

The alliance validates macrocyclic peptides as a viable route to address intracellular targets, potentially unlocking therapies for diseases previously considered untreatable and reshaping pharmaceutical pipelines.

Key Takeaways

• Company raised $45M Series B, secured $1.7B Novartis deal.
• Macrocyclic peptides bridge gap between small molecules and biologics.
• Targeting intracellular protein‑protein interactions deemed 'undruggable' for therapeutic intervention.
• Focus areas include cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and immunological diseases.
• Novartis collaboration centers on cardiovascular targets resistant to traditional drugs.

Summary

Santa Cruz‑based company specializing in unnatural macrocyclic peptide therapeutics announced a $45 million Series B round and a $1.7 billion collaboration with Novartis. The partnership targets cardiovascular proteins that have eluded conventional small‑molecule and antibody approaches.

The firm positions macrocyclic peptides between traditional small molecules and biologics, offering high‑affinity, selective binding while retaining cell permeability and the prospect of oral administration. This hybrid modality is designed to disrupt intracellular protein‑protein interactions—mechanisms often labeled “undruggable” by existing drug classes.

Management highlighted that their pipeline spans cardiometabolic, inflammatory and immunological indications, with the Novartis deal specifically focusing on cardiovascular targets that have resisted prior drug development. The collaboration underscores confidence in the platform’s ability to translate into clinically viable candidates.

If successful, the technology could expand the treatable disease space, reduce reliance on injectable biologics, and create a new market segment for orally bioavailable peptide drugs, reshaping investment and R&D strategies across pharma.

Original Description

San Francisco-based Unnatural Products raised $45 million in Series B funding and signed a potential $1.7 billion collaboration with Novartis. Their macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aim to target age-related cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and immunological diseases previously considered undruggable.

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