Obesity Has Reached Epidemic Proportions Globally And In India As Well: Utopia’s Saxena

Dr Uday Saxena is currently the Founder of the IEFR Foundation for Translational Research. The foundation trains women scientists in translational research, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Most recently, he has Co-Founded UtopiaTherapeutics, an innovation-driven company focused on vaccine and stem cell platforms. He is also a co-founder of a startup biotech company, ReaGene Biosciences, which pioneered 3D bio-printed humanised disease models. He has held C level executive and leadership positions at Parke-Davis in Ann Arbor, AtheroGenics in Atlanta (VP Drug Discovery), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (Global Chief Scientific Officer, US and India), and Kareus Therapeutics (CEO).

He has a PhD in biochemistry from Memorial University and post-doctoral training at Columbia University and Biotech Business Leadership Training at Harvard University. He was associated with the team at Parke-Davis/Pfizer that discovered Lipitor/atorvastatin, the largest selling (peak sales of $17 billion dollars) drug in the pharma business. His expertise is in identifying new drug ideas and bringing them to the market.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz in an exclusive interview, Dr Uday Saxena, Co-Founder of Utopia Therapeutics says his current research interests are translational product discovery. His passion is to continue being an entrepreneur having initiated biotech companies in the US and India. He is one of the few executives who combine excellence in science and the business side of pharma including being part of a startup that was successfully listed on Wall Street (AtheroGenics Inc @ NASDAQ), having done a $1 billion deal with large pharma. He serves as an expert review member/mentor to several CSIR, DST, DBT, and University of Hyderabad panels amongst others. He is a well-known speaker on international and national platforms and a recipient of academic and industry honors

What are the primary research areas currently being pursued at Utopia Therapeutics?

Our current focus is on metabolic diseases, particularly obesity, fatty liver disease, and high triglycerides. The vaccine we are developing primarily targets obesity but is also designed to address fatty liver and elevated blood triglycerides.

Is there any ongoing research at Utopia Therapeutics targeting obesity or related metabolic disorders?

Yes, for the past year, we have been extensively working on an obesity vaccine. Our preclinical studies in animal models have shown promising results in reducing obesity and fatty liver disease. This project has been ongoing for more than a year now and our research in this domain is from scratch and we have not collaborated with anyone so far.

Is 3D bioprinting technology being used to study obesity and develop potential treatments?

No, we are not using 3D bioprinting for obesity research. Instead, we rely on well-established in vivo preclinical models that closely mimic human obesity.

Have you explored drug repurposing strategies to address obesity, similar to your approach with type 2 diabetes?

No, obesity requires a more direct approach targeting fat metabolism in adipose tissue. To the best of my knowledge, no existing repurposed drug meets this requirement, which is why we are pursuing a novel vaccine-based solution.

Are there any nutraceutical products in development aimed at preventing or managing obesity?

Some nutraceuticals claim to block fat absorption or regulate appetite, but their effectiveness is limited. While they might work in combination with a more potent treatment like a vaccine, they are not standalone solutions for obesity management.

Is Utopia Therapeutics collaborating with other institutions or companies on obesity-related research?

Yes, we are in discussions with multiple institutions and companies for collaborative research. We are also seeking funding from grant agencies and other stakeholders. While I can’t name specific partners at this time, collaborations are actively being pursued.

How does personalised medicine play a role in addressing obesity? Is it a focus area for your research?

Currently, we are not focusing on personalised medicine. Obesity can result from genetics or lifestyle factors. Since genetics cannot be altered, lifestyle modifications alone are often insufficient. Our vaccine is designed for broad application, targeting all individuals suffering from obesity rather than a personalised approach.

What are the main challenges in developing effective treatments or vaccines for obesity?

The biggest challenge is transitioning from successful animal model results to human trials. Ensuring the vaccine demonstrates the same efficacy and safety in humans as in preclinical studies is critical.

What regulatory hurdles do you anticipate in bringing an obesity vaccine to market?

The process involves several key steps. First, we must conduct GLP toxicology studies in animals to establish safety. Then, we need regulatory approval to proceed with human clinical trials, which include: Phase 1: Testing in healthy volunteers to assess safety. Phase 2: Small-scale trials in obese individuals to evaluate efficacy and safety. Phase 3: Large-scale trials to confirm effectiveness and safety before seeking regulatory approval for market release.

How do you plan to secure funding for obesity vaccine development?

As a startup, we are currently self-funded by the co-founders, including myself and Dr. Gopi Kadiyala. We are also exploring government grants, venture capital investments, and support from high-net-worth individuals to secure additional funding.

What are the key design considerations for clinical trials targeting obesity treatments or vaccines?

Our trials will adhere to standard obesity treatment guidelines. Participants will be individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The vaccine will be administered to these individuals, and their response will be carefully monitored.

Do you currently have any products influencing obesity management?

No, this vaccine will be our first product in the obesity space. To the best of our knowledge, we are pioneering this approach worldwide.

How do you view the role of vaccines in combating the obesity epidemic from a public health standpoint?

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India and globally. While it was once considered a problem of developed nations, it is now a major health concern in India as well. Vaccines offer an effective public health solution because they can be easily distributed and administered on a large scale, reaching both urban and rural populations.

What is the projected timeline from research to potential clinical application?

If everything goes as planned, including the successful completion of Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials, we estimate that the vaccine could be available in the market within five to seven years.

Before we conclude, would you like to add anything?

Obesity has long been overlooked in India. While existing medications focus on appetite suppression, our vaccine directly targets fat metabolism without altering appetite. This unique approach makes our research groundbreaking.