TL;DR: Haya Therapeutics and Eli Lilly Innovate Obesity Treatment with RNA-Based Precision Medicine
Haya Therapeutics partners with Eli Lilly in a groundbreaking $1 billion collaboration to combat obesity and metabolic disorders using precision medicine.
• Cutting-edge RNA Science: Haya targets “dark genome” lncRNAs to reprogram disease-driving cells, moving beyond symptom management.
• Personalized Treatments: Focused on genetic and cellular-level causes, reducing side effects and offering transformative therapies.
• Global Health Impact: A game-changer for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, addressing lifestyle and genetic factors.
This innovation could inspire Malta’s health-conscious community to embrace personalized wellness solutions, including tailored dietary experiences through platforms like MELA AI. Explore how precision health shapes your future!
The partnership between Haya Therapeutics and global pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly is making waves in the biotech and wellness industries, promising a leap forward in tackling obesity and metabolic challenges. With a staggering potential value of $1 billion in milestone payments, this collaboration is harnessing cutting-edge science to revolutionize how we approach these global health concerns.
What Is Driving This Collaboration?
Obesity and related metabolic conditions affect millions across the globe, fueling rising healthcare costs and diminishing quality of life. Current treatment options often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes of these conditions. This is where the Haya-Lilly partnership steps in.
Haya Therapeutics, a precision-medicine biotech firm, specializes in identifying and targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a “dark genome” area that makes up 98% of human DNA but is often ignored in drug discovery. Eli Lilly, renowned for its innovative work in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, saw an opportunity to integrate Haya’s RNA-guided regulatory genome platform into its portfolio.
The aim? To identify novel metabolic drug targets by leveraging Haya’s proprietary technology, which deciphers the previously misunderstood role of lncRNAs in disease pathways. “Our collaboration reflects a new frontier in precision metabolic medicine,” states Haya CEO Samir Ounzain.
Why Target the “Dark Genome”?
Recent scientific discoveries have unveiled that so-called “junk DNA”, the non-coding regions of the genome, is instrumental in regulating genes responsible for disease. By focusing on lncRNAs, Haya Therapeutics hopes to uncover precise ways to reprogram disease-driving cell states rather than globally suppressing metabolic functions, which often results in side effects.
This novel approach could pave the way for better-targeted therapies in treating conditions exacerbated by lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition, like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
How Is the $1 Billion Structured?
While the exact figure of the upfront payment remains undisclosed, the deal is structured around a series of significant preclinical, clinical, and commercial milestones. This includes:
- Upfront Investment: Cash and equity infusion into Haya Therapeutics to accelerate research.
- Milestone Payments: Ranging from research milestones during preclinical phases to regulatory and commercial achievements.
- Royalties: On the revenue generated from successfully developed therapeutics.
It’s not just about the money, this partnership positions Haya Therapeutics as a major player in precision medicine, transforming its reputation from a boutique biotech firm to a company capable of tackling some of the world’s most pressing health issues.
What This Means For You
If you’re navigating the ever-evolving world of health, wellness, and longevity, there are a few valuable takeaways:
Personalized Treatments Are the Future: This partnership emphasizes tackling diseases at their genetic and epigenetic roots, tailoring treatments directly to an individual’s unique biology. This mirrors the larger trend towards precision nutrition and health optimization.
Obesity Is Treatable on a Cellular Level: Gone are the days when weight-loss paradigms only revolved around crash diets or quick fixes. Research into the regulatory genome is unlocking methods to alter cellular behavior, promising better results and fewer side effects.
New Era of Biopharma Collaborations: Partnerships like Haya-Lilly are ushering in transformative advances in science and wellness. These billion-dollar deals focus not just on profitability but on genuinely improving global health outcomes.
What Can Malta Learn From This?
Malta has been making strides in health and wellness, especially with initiatives like MELA AI. While Haya Therapeutics is redefining how we treat metabolic disorders at a genetic level, there is also a growing demand for personalized dining experiences that cater to individual nutritional needs. Innovations in the biotech space call for equally innovative approaches at local levels, including healthier restaurant offerings tailored to unique biometric profiles.
Imagine walking into a Maltese restaurant and ordering meals that complement your metabolic health data! With platforms like MELA Cuisines, diners in Malta can find restaurants that already understand the importance of customizing meals for healthier dining experiences.
The Bigger Picture
Science is refocusing its lens to dig deeper into human biology’s intricacies, and partnerships like this between Haya and Eli Lilly prove that personalized approaches to health aren’t a far-fetched dream, they’re becoming the norm.
From rethinking how diseases are treated to influencing how we eat, the intersection of genomic insights and practical innovation is shaping the future. And for health-conscious eaters in Malta, the promise of restaurants offering custom, biomarker-based meals isn’t just exciting. It’s a wellness game-changer already at your fingertips with MELA AI.
Frequently Asked Questions: Haya Therapeutics and Eli Lilly Collaboration
What is the focus of the Haya Therapeutics and Eli Lilly partnership?
The collaboration is centered on discovering novel regulatory genome targets for drug development in obesity and related metabolic conditions. It leverages Haya Therapeutics’ RNA-guided regulatory genome platform to pinpoint long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), often referred to as the “dark genome”, that influence cellular and genetic pathways linked to chronic diseases. Eli Lilly, a leader in metabolic and diabetes treatments, brings extensive clinical and commercial expertise to scale these discoveries. Together, they aim to create more precise and effective treatments compared to conventional symptom-oriented approaches.
For further details, visit the Longevity.Technology article about this groundbreaking collaboration.
Why are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) important in drug discovery?
lncRNAs, originally considered “junk DNA,” play crucial roles in regulating genes that drive disease states. By targeting these non-coding portions of the genome, scientists can reprogram malfunctioning cellular processes more precisely. Unlike broad-spectrum drug solutions, therapies based on lncRNAs allow for targeted interventions with potentially fewer side effects. Haya’s focus on lncRNAs opens new possibilities, particularly for diseases influenced by lifestyle and genetic factors, such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Learn more about Haya’s innovative lncRNA-focused approach at the Haya Therapeutics website.
How is the $1 billion deal structured?
The agreement includes upfront payments, milestone payments across preclinical, clinical, and commercial phases, and royalties from successfully developed products. Although the exact amount of the initial investment is not disclosed, Eli Lilly has provided cash and equity infusion to accelerate Haya’s research. Milestones are tied to developing drug candidates discovered through Haya’s platform, which could result in lucrative returns for both companies.
Detailed information is provided via Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
What makes this partnership different from other biotech collaborations?
This collaboration stands out due to its focus on harnessing the “dark genome”, 98% of human DNA that does not code for proteins but governs regulatory functions. By targeting lncRNAs, the partnership offers a revolutionary approach in metabolic medicine. It also underscores the growing interest in personalized, genome-targeted therapeutics, moving away from generic solutions that often come with higher risks of side effects.
Explore Eli Lilly and Haya’s unique partnership model in-depth here.
How will treatments developed under this partnership benefit patients struggling with obesity?
Unlike traditional weight-loss therapies, which often suppress metabolic functions to reduce weight, lncRNA-guided treatments aim to resolve disease-driving cellular states at their root. Patients may experience better-targeted results with fewer side effects. This shift could redefine obesity treatment, helping millions battling this global epidemic enjoy more sustainable and personalized healthcare solutions.
Discover why long non-coding RNAs could revolutionize obesity treatments at C&EN Global Enterprise.
How can restaurants in Malta support healthier dining trends aligned with biotech advances?
As precision medicine evolves, health-conscious dining plays an essential complementary role. Malta-based restaurants can embrace initiatives like MELA AI to incorporate nutrient-aware menus and cater to diners interested in personalized meals that align with their metabolic goals. Earning the MELA sticker not only boosts market appeal but also positions restaurants as pioneers in supporting wellness-focused lifestyles.
Learn how MELA AI transforms Malta’s dining scene here.
What inspired Eli Lilly to collaborate with Haya Therapeutics?
Eli Lilly’s commitment to advancing metabolic disease treatments dovetailed with Haya’s innovative RNA-guided platform technology. The focus on lncRNA targets for obesity perfectly aligns with Lilly’s expertise, making this a strategic partnership to expand its leadership in metabolic medicine. The deal also reflects a larger trend in pharma toward exploring genomic targets previously considered undruggable.
Learn more at Haya Therapeutics’ official partnership page.
How are Malta’s dining trends connected to global wellness advancements?
Malta’s culinary scene is evolving, influenced by global health and wellness trends like precision nutrition. Innovative platforms like MELA AI help diners find restaurants offering personalized, nutrient-focused meals. This parallels the biotech move toward individualized treatments for diseases, creating a holistic approach to healthier living in Malta.
Check out the unique features of Malta’s MELA AI dining directory here.
What is Haya Therapeutics’ long-term vision?
Haya aims to become a transformative player in precision medicine by uncovering the mysteries of the regulatory genome. Building partnerships with pharma leaders like Lilly elevates Haya’s scientific capabilities while enabling it to tackle chronic diseases more effectively. This partnership reflects the company’s mission to translate cutting-edge genomic science into real-world therapeutics that improve global health outcomes.
Read about Haya’s goals and achievements at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.
Why should health-conscious diners in Malta explore MELA AI?
MELA AI simplifies finding restaurants that prioritize healthier menus and transparent nutritional practices. Whether you’re managing specific metabolic concerns or just aiming to eat better, MELA AI connects you with dining options tailored to your wellness goals. Restaurants awarded the MELA sticker represent the gold standard in health-conscious dining, offering meals aligned to modern nutritional science.
Learn how MELA AI empowers Malta’s health-focused food lovers here.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
