Silo Pharma Inc., a developmental stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel therapeutics and drug delivery systems, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to form a strategic 50:50 joint venture with Hoth Therapeutics Inc. to develop and commercialize a potential treatment for obesity and metabolic disease based on technology Hoth has exclusively licensed from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that was co-developed by the VA and Emory University.

The novel therapeutic platform centers on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a VA-invented biologic with demonstrated anti-obesity effects and metabolic regulation in preclinical models. The platform targets multiple high-burden conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and central obesity.

The partnership leverages the clinical infrastructure and public mission of the VA, Hoth’s regulatory and development expertise, and Silo’s translational capabilities and capital efficiency.

“With obesity at epidemic levels and no curative therapies available, we believe the VA’s biologic GDNF is potentially a game-changer,” said Eric Weisblum, CEO of Silo Pharma. “We believe that our potential JV collaboration with Hoth aligns with our mission to accelerate groundbreaking science into human trials.”

“This VA-originated obesity technology has the potential to disrupt a $16 billion market and deliver life-changing impact for millions, including veterans disproportionately affected by metabolic disorders,” added Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics. “We are proud to partner with Silo Pharma in an effort to bring this innovation to the public.”