Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Licenses LX9851 to Novo Nordisk

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in The Woodlands, Texas, has announced a significant partnership with Novo Nordisk A/S regarding the development of LX9851, a novel oral medication for obesity and metabolic disorders. Under this exclusive license agreement, Novo Nordisk will have worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize LX9851 across various medical applications. Lexicon will remain responsible for completing the necessary Investigational New Drug (IND) application-enabling activities for LX9851. Once these are finalized, the responsibility for filing the IND, along with subsequent development, manufacturing, and commercialization, will fall under Novo Nordisk’s domain.

Lexicon stands to receive a substantial financial boost from this deal, with eligibility for up to $1 billion in payments related to upfront, development, regulatory, and sales milestones. Of this amount, $75 million will be paid in upfront and near-term milestone payments. Furthermore, Lexicon will earn tiered royalties based on net sales of LX9851.

LX9851 was discovered and developed by Lexicon and is a potent oral small molecule inhibitor targeting Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5). ACSL5 plays a crucial role in regulating fat accumulation and energy balance. Additionally, LX9851 may contribute to increased satiety and appetite suppression by activating the ileal brake mechanism, which delays gastric emptying. Preclinical in vivo data shared at Obesity Week 2024 demonstrated that LX9851, when combined with semaglutide, led to significant reductions in weight, food intake, and fat mass compared to semaglutide alone. LX9851 also showed beneficial effects on liver steatosis and mitigated weight regain when used after discontinuing semaglutide.

Mike Exton, Ph.D., CEO and Director of Lexicon, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, emphasizing how it strengthens Lexicon's financial position and provides flexibility to further invest in research and development. Jacob Sten Petersen, Senior Vice President in charge of Diabetes, Obesity, and MASH therapeutic areas at Novo Nordisk, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted Novo Nordisk's commitment to addressing the varied needs of individuals suffering from obesity and related metabolic conditions. Petersen noted that the partnership with Lexicon enables exploration of new biological mechanisms and potential treatment approaches, building upon Lexicon's foundational work with LX9851.

LX9851 represents a promising advancement in treating obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders. Lexicon continues to investigate its pharmacological effects both as a standalone therapy and in combination with GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide. Research has shown that mice lacking ACSL5, the target enzyme of LX9851, demonstrate favorable metabolic syndrome phenotypes, including resistance to diet-induced obesity and improved body composition—indicating the potential therapeutic benefits of LX9851.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is recognized for pioneering medicines that transform lives. Through their Genome5000™ program, Lexicon scientists have studied the role and function of nearly 5,000 genes, identifying over 100 protein targets that hold significant therapeutic potential across various diseases. Their efforts focus on precisely targeting these proteins to discover and develop innovative treatments that are both safe and effective. Lexicon's pipeline includes promising drug candidates in areas such as cardiology, neuropathic pain, and metabolism, among others.

Novo Nordisk, a global leader in healthcare, was established in 1923 and is headquartered in Denmark. The company aims to drive change to combat serious chronic diseases, leveraging its long-standing expertise in diabetes. Novo Nordisk is committed to advancing scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to medications, and working towards preventing and ultimately curing disease.