Protomer

About Protomer

Protomer Technologies is a biotechnology company engineering next-generation protein therapeutics that can sense molecular activators within the body. The company was founded in 2015 by Alborz Mahdavi, who earned his Ph.D. in bioengineering from a Caltech lab. Based in Pasadena, California, Protomer operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company.

The company's core technology is its proprietary Molecular Engineering of Protein Sensors (MEPS) platform. This chemical biology-based platform is used to discover and create therapeutic peptides and proteins with tunable activity that can be controlled by small molecules. The primary application of this technology has been the development of glucose-responsive insulins, often called "smart insulin." These therapies are designed to automatically detect blood sugar levels and activate as needed, which could significantly improve the management of diabetes by reducing the risks of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The goal is to create a once-a-day injection that dynamically adjusts its activity in response to the body's glucose levels.

Protomer received early support and funding from the JDRF T1D Fund. In July 2021, Eli Lilly and Company, which had previously led an equity investment giving it a 14% stake, announced the acquisition of the remaining stock of Protomer. The total potential value of the transaction was stated to be over $1 billion, contingent on achieving future development and commercial milestones. Following the acquisition, Protomer continues its research and development as a startup within Lilly Research Labs, combining its agile biotech approach with the resources of a global pharmaceutical firm.