Novo Nordisk inks $285M deal for monthly GLP-1 agonist

Ascendis Pharma has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk, allowing the latter to use its TransCon technology platform for the advancement, production, and market introduction of products aimed at metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The agreement also provides for an exclusive license for cardiovascular diseases on a per-product basis.

Under the terms of this collaboration, Ascendis Pharma is set to receive up to $285 million through upfront payments, development milestones, and regulatory milestones for the primary program in the partnership, focusing on a once-monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist formulation targeted initially at obesity and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Ascendis will be entitled to receive up to $77.5 million in milestone payments for each additional product candidate in metabolic or cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, they will gain sales-based payments and tiered royalties for all programs that reach the market.

Jan Mikkelsen, President and CEO of Ascendis Pharma, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting Novo Nordisk's expertise in metabolic diseases and the potential of TransCon products to benefit patients. Mikkelsen stated that this agreement aligns with Ascendis Pharma's Vision 2030, which aims to create value in large therapeutic areas beyond rare endocrine diseases through partnerships with leading global companies.

According to the agreement, Ascendis will handle the early development stages of the product candidates using the TransCon platform, while Novo Nordisk will assume responsibility for the costs associated with early development and will subsequently manage clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization.

The TransCon (transient conjugation) platform allows for the temporary modification of an existing drug by attaching it to a carrier molecule that protects and gradually releases the drug. This technology enables a reduced dosing frequency of up to six months while maintaining the stability of the drug's effects over time.

This collaboration with Ascendis marks Novo Nordisk's second attempt to develop a once-monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist formulation. Earlier, in August, Novo Nordisk ceased development of a once-monthly drug candidate targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors due to unsatisfactory phase 1 trial results.

Brian Vandahl, Senior Vice President of Global Research Technologies at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the potential societal and individual patient benefits of therapies that require less frequent administration. Vandahl expressed anticipation for the partnership with Ascendis, aiming to leverage the TransCon technology platform to reduce the dosing frequency of GLP-1 receptor agonists and other treatments for cardiometabolic diseases.