Novo and Ascendis Collaborate on Monthly GLP-1 Therapy

Ascendis Pharma and Novo Nordisk have announced a new collaboration to create innovative therapies for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This partnership will utilize Ascendis’ advanced TransCon technology platform to develop these treatments.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk will have exclusive global rights to use the TransCon technology for its treatments targeting metabolic disorders, with some applications extended to cardiovascular conditions. Ascendis is expected to receive an initial payment and milestone-based payments totaling up to $285 million. Additionally, new product candidates may bring in further payments, potentially amounting to $77.5 million each.

A significant focus of this partnership is the development of a once-monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This approach aims to reduce the frequency of doses, offering a potential advantage for patients who need long-term treatment for these chronic illnesses.

The collaboration details the responsibilities of each company, with Ascendis undertaking the early phases of product development. This includes the initial stages of research and development. Once these early stages are completed, Novo Nordisk will assume responsibility for the subsequent phases. This includes conducting clinical trials, securing regulatory approvals, and managing the product's market introduction.

The partnership between Ascendis Pharma and Novo Nordisk represents a strategic effort to leverage Ascendis’ TransCon technology to improve treatment options for patients with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This collaboration has the potential to bring significant advancements in the management of these chronic conditions, particularly with the focus on reducing the dosing frequency for patients.