At the Heart of Innovation: Addressing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Did you know that heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally ? In the U.S. alone, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease . Yet, amidst these daunting statistics, there is hope. Advancements in medical research and innovative collaborations are paving the way for transformative treatments that can change lives.

Today, we announced an exclusive global license to develop and commercialize a disease-modifying treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with Dewpoint Therapeutics . This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration with Dewpoint, which began in 2019, when Leaps by Bayer invested in Dewpoint’s Series A financing round.

Leveraging Dewpoint’s proprietary platform in combination with Bayer’s robust R&D capabilities allows our collaboration to take a more comprehensive approach to finding new treatments, particularly for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Additionally, this is Dewpoint’s first time having an asset licensed to a partner! Many congratulations to Ameet Nathwani and the team on this accomplishment!

The Heart of the Matter

DCM is a debilitating condition where the heart's chambers enlarge and fail to contract normally, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in various parts of the body. As the heart muscle dilates and becomes thinner, it struggles to pump blood effectively, often resulting in heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious complications. The licensed program specifically targets a unique form of DCM linked to genetic mutations that cause harmful condensate formations. This innovative approach has the potential to become the first disease modifying treatment option.

At the heart of our innovative approach is the concept of biomolecular condensates— membraneless organelles that form dynamically throughout the cell via a process called phase separation. These subcellular compartments organize and concentrate molecules within cells to enable a diversity of key biochemical processes. The dysregulation of biomolecular condensates has been observed in many diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Condensate-modifying drugs (c-mods) potentially provide novel therapeutic options for complex diseases and historically undruggable targets.

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A Heartfelt Commitment to Transforming Lives

I am excited about the transformative potential of our collaboration with Dewpoint. The licensing of this program underscores the scientific validation of the condensate-based approach, showcasing how strategic partnerships can unlock new avenues for drug discovery.

Together, we can transform the landscape of medicine and provide new solutions for patients who need them the most. Here’s to more collaborations that push the boundaries of innovation and improve patient outcomes!