Novo Nordisk signs deal for monthly GLP-1 agonist

Ascendis Pharma A/S granted Novo Nordisk A/S exclusive global rights to its TransCon technology for the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of Novo Nordisk products aimed at metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, along with select cardiovascular applications. Novo Nordisk also has rights to expand TransCon-based metabolic products into other therapeutic areas. The collaboration’s lead project is a once-monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist, initially targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes. “Developing potential therapies that can be administered less frequently could benefit societies as well as individual patients, and it is a clear focus area for Novo Nordisk,” commented Brian Vandahl, Senior Vice President of Global Research Technologies at Novo Nordisk. The company manufactures the blockbuster GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management marketed as Wegovy.

Under the agreement, Ascendis will receive up to US$285m in upfront, development, and regulatory milestone payments for the lead programme, along with sales-based milestone payments and tiered royalties. For additional products in metabolic or cardiovascular diseases, Ascendis is eligible for up to US$77.5m in milestone payments, plus royalties.

Ascendis will lead early-stage development with Novo Nordisk funding the process, taking on clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialisation. The transaction is pending regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of 2024.