June 3, 2025 — Emeryville, CA — BioAge Labs has announced a major step forward in its strategy to combat metabolic aging with the expansion of its APJ agonist pipeline. In a newly disclosed option agreement with JiKang Therapeutics, BioAge may in-license a cutting-edge APJ agonist nanobody—a potent single-domain antibody candidate designed to enhance weight loss and metabolic function.

This nanobody-based therapeutic candidate, developed by JiKang Therapeutics, is reported to be at least 10 times more potent than apelin, the natural ligand for the APJ receptor. With an EC50 comparable to top-tier small molecules, this single-domain antibody (VHH) stands out as a long-acting biologic with the potential to amplify and extend the benefits of existing GLP-1–based treatments.

Why APJ Agonism Matters

APJ, or the apelin receptor, is increasingly viewed as a central node in metabolic regulation. BioAge's preclinical data show that APJ activation can double the weight loss effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, while also improving muscle function and restoring healthier body composition. These findings are particularly promising for the development of pharmacological exercise mimetics—drugs that replicate the benefits of physical activity.

The nanobody licensed from JiKang adds a biologic modality to BioAge's existing pipeline, which also includes orally available small molecule APJ agonists. The dual-track strategy aims to meet the needs of both injectable and oral drug markets, with plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2026.

The Role of Nanobody Technology

Nanobodies (VHHs) like JiKang's APJ agonist offer unique advantages over conventional monoclonal antibodies:

• Smaller size for better tissue penetration

• High stability and long half-life

• Engineering flexibility, ideal for chronic conditions like obesity
  

With its strong pharmacodynamic profile and molecular precision, the APJ agonist nanobody reflects how single-domain antibody platforms are becoming essential in next-generation metabolic therapies.

"Our preclinical data show that APJ agonism can amplify GLP-1–driven weight loss," said BioAge CEO Dr. Kristen Fortney. "By developing both long-acting injectables and oral combination therapies, we aim to optimize patient outcomes across the board."

At AlpalifeBio, we're excited to see how nanobody technology continues to gain traction across new therapeutic areas—from immuno-oncology to metabolic disease. If your team is exploring VHH discovery or optimization for novel targets like APJ, get in touch—we'd love to support your pipeline.

Source: yahoo finance