Isogenica and Cube Biotech Unite to Accelerate GPCR Therapeutics

[Cambridge, UK] – Isogenica, a global leader in synthetic VHH antibody discovery, has announced a strategic collaboration with Cube Biotech, experts in stabilised protein technologies, to tackle one of the most complex challenges in drug discovery: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

A Strategic Collaboration with Flexibility

This collaboration combines Cube Biotech’s advanced GPCR stabilisation technology with Isogenica’s proprietary synthetic VHH libraries and CIS Display technology, creating a seamless solution for GPCR-targeted therapeutics. The two companies will work together to support Pharma and Biotech with high quality antigens and VHH therapeutics to address high-value GPCR targets like GLP-1R whilst still maintaining the flexibility of working with other providers depending on customer needs.

“GPCRs remain one of the toughest challenges in antibody discovery because it’s so difficult to generate the key to success—high-quality target material,” said Marion Cubitt, Director of Discovery at Isogenica. “Cube’s Native MP^TM technology unlocks these targets for discovery, while Isogenica’s synthetic approach means only small quantities are needed, keeping costs low. By combining our strengths, we’re simplifying GPCR discovery and helping drug developers innovate faster.”

A Seamless Solution for GPCR Discovery

GPCRs are among the most complex and valuable targets in drug discovery, underpinning advances in metabolic disorders, oncology, and neurology. This collaboration supports discovery teams with:

• Stabilised GPCR Targets: Cube Biotech’s proprietary stabilisation technology delivers functional GPCRs ideal for antibody discovery workflows.
• Synthetic VHH Libraries: Isogenica’s libraries offer an animal-free alternative to traditional methods, optimised to reduce material requirements and accelerate timelines for GPCR discovery.
• Streamlined Expertise: The collaboration offers a proven, integrated approach that reduces risks and accelerates progress for pharmaceutical innovators tackling GPCRs.

Why It Matters for GLP-1R and Beyond

The vast therapeutic and market opportunity that GPCRs represent has been recently exemplified by GLP-1R—a target driving innovation in weight-loss therapies. With this strong focus, Isogenica and Cube Biotech have deepened their collaboration to support a wide range of structurally complex transmembrane proteins which are notoriously inaccessible as drug targets without specialised support. By combining stabilised GPCRs with advanced synthetic VHH discovery, they provide a platform to unlock both current and future therapeutic opportunities to help their partners find the next GLP-1R blockbuster.

“Our collaboration with Isogenica combines Cube’s expertise in GPCR stabilisation with Isogenica’s synthetic VHH platform to create a robust, flexible solution for the pharmaceutical industry,” said Barbara Maertens, Co-Founder and COO of Cube Biotech. “We’re helping innovators tackle some of the most challenging targets in medicine, driving progress in GPCR drug discovery.”