Unlocking the Power of GPCR Allosteric Therapeutics

Advancing Computational and AI-Assisted Approaches for Targeted Therapeutic Development

Our Approach

Oban has adopted a streamlined approach based on computerized high-resolution allosteric pocket mapping, coupled to a multi-dimensional in silico screening  process using state-of-the-art tools with compound databases comprised of more than 15 billion structures, pre-curated for drug-like chemical properties. Additional AI-based analysis of validated predictors of drug-like properties of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and toxicology maximize chemotype therapeutic potential.

Today’s GPCR Drugs

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are the target of about one-third of all FDA-approved drugs. Virtually all of today’s GPCR drugs are designed to act at a singular location on the GPCR called the orthosteric site – this is a molecular pocket on the surface of the GPCR on the outside of the cell where the natural chemical signal binds, triggering a change in cellular functioning.

Traditional (orthosteric) GPCR drugs have some significant disadvantages:

  • Lack of receptor selectivity

  • Lack of physiological target activity

  • Lack of selective cellular signaling

Advantages of Future Allosteric GPCR Drugs

Allosteric modulators have significant potential advantages over traditional (orthosteric)  GPCR drugs:

  • Greater Receptor Selectivity

  • Maintenance of Physiological Target Activity

  • Reduced On- and Off-Target Adverse Events

  • Selective Cellular Signaling

  • Novel Medicinal Chemistry at Validated Drug Targets

In addition to the orthosteric site, GPCRs have allosteric sites – other pockets, outside the orthosteric site, where different molecules can act to modulate GPCR functioning in response to the natural chemical signal: positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) act to increase the response to the natural chemical signal, negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) decrease that response. 

Meet the Founders

Oban was founded by a team who believes in the power of computational structural and chemotype analysis to revolutionize drug discovery. We combine cutting-edge technology with deep biological insights to create a faster, more efficient path to new medicines.

  • President & CEO

    Derek Chalmers is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Oban and also serves on the company’s board of directors. Dr. Chalmers has over 27 years of experience in the biotechnology industry with increasing levels of corporate and business responsibilities. Prior to founding Oban Biopharma, Dr. Chalmers co-founded Cara Therapeutics ( NASDAQ: CARA) and served as Director, CEO and President from inception in July 2004 through November 2021. During his tenure he oversaw the development and regulatory approval of KORSUVA (TM), the first non-scheduled kappa opioid agonist approved by the FDA and negotiated and consummated corporate license agreements with Johnson & Johnson, Vifor Pharma (CSL Pharma), Maruishi Pharmaceuticals and Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation. Prior to Cara, Dr. Chalmers co-founded Arena Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Pfizer in 2022), a drug discovery and development company focused on novel GPCR targets and served as its Director and Vice President of Research and Development from inception through 2004. Prior to Arena, Dr. Chalmers was a group leader in drug discovery at Neurocrine Biosciences (NASDAQ: NBIX). Dr. Chalmers holds a Ph.D. from The Wellcome Surgical Institute, University of Glasgow and has previously conducted research as both a Fogerty International Fellow and NARSAD Fellow at The University of Michigan Medical Center. Dr. Chalmers is inventor or author of over 100 issued patents or peer-reviewed scientific papers.

  • Chief Scientific Officer

    Michael Lewis is the Chief Scientific Officer at Oban and also serves on the company’s board of directors. Dr. Lewis has over 50 years of research experience, with about 40 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, and has led or advised drug discovery and development programs across a broad range of indications. Prior to founding Oban Biopharma, Dr. Lewis co-founded Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA) and served as Chief Scientific Advisor from inception in July 2004 through January 2022. Prior to Cara, Dr. Lewis co-founded Arena Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Pfizer in 2022) and served as Chief Scientific Advisor from inception through 2003. Prior to Arena, Dr. Lewis was a co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Adolor Corporation (acquired by Cubist, 2011). Several years after entering industry as a principal investigator pharmacologist at DuPont, Dr. Lewis started his entrepreneurial biotechnology career in 1988 as a co-founder and Director of Pharmacology at Cephalon (acquired by Teva in 2011). Dr. Lewis holds a Ph.D. from Clark University and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge in the Psychological Laboratory and Neurochemical Pharmacology Research Unit and the University of Lund, followed by postdoctoral positions at the NIMH in the Biological Psychiatry Branch and at the University of Michigan in the Mental Health Research Institute.  Dr. Lewis is inventor or author of over 100 issued patents or peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Drs. Chalmers & Lewis have co-founded biotechnology companies worth over $13 Billion in realized value.