Discovery and developmentof GRK2-biased beta 2-adrenergic receptor agonists for the treatment of metabolic disorders
December 5, 2025 @ 10:15 – 11:00 CET
Presenter: Dr Benjamin Pelcman, Atrogi AB
Atrogi AB is biotech company pioneering first-in-class treatments to revolutionize metabolic health. The talk will describe how targeting a novel GRK-biased b2-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway allows for the successful design of compounds useful in the treatment of disorders like type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity and muscular wasting. The approach will be exemplified by the invention, selection and development of ATR-258, a b2-AR agonist that was developed for T2D and is about to enter phase 2 clinical trials. During the exploration of the chemical space, a diverse set of molecules were synthesized, and their effect on the downstream signaling will be discussed. In addition, the seminar will illustrate differences between drug development in Big Pharma and small biotech and the challenges of working in an environment with limited resources.
After receiving his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at KTH and a post doc session at Dartmouth College, NH, USA, Benjamin joined Astra Pain Control, first in Södertälje and then in Montreal, as a medicinal chemist. Benjamin has also held various positions at Pharmacia & Upjohn, Karo Bio, Biolipox and Orexo. After having started his own consultancy company, BeePCo, he came in contact with Atrogi where he was employed first as a CEO and later as Head of Chemistry and IP. Benjamin is now retired but is still working as a consultant for Atrogi and other small biotechs.
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