Novo Nordisk Inks €235M Deal for EraCal's Novel Oral Small Molecule Weight-Loss Drug Targeting Undisclosed Peripheral Liver-Brain Signaling Protein

Jan 24, 2024 07:13 CST Updated 07:13

Novo Nordisk

Insulin Developer and Manufacturer

EraCal Therapeutics

Appetite Suppressant Drug Developer

On January 23, Novo Nordisk entered into a collaboration and license agreement with EraCal Therapeutics to develop and commercialize novel oral small molecules targeting appetite and weight control mechanisms, further solidifying its leading position in the blockbuster market.

Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will obtain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the project, while EraCal Therapeutics is eligible to receive upfront payments, development and commercial milestones of up to 235 million euros, as well as royalties following the product's market launch.

EraCal Therapeutics Ltd., co-founded by Harvard University and the University of Zurich, is a Swiss biotechnology company based on phenotypic drug discovery technology. Two years ago, it entered into a research collaboration with Novo Nordisk to study new molecules with potential for treating obesity using zebrafish larvae (a vertebrate drug discovery platform). This approach can overcome the challenge of evaluating the impact of molecules on food intake in vitro.

The specific project that Novo Nordisk has partnered with them on has not been disclosed. EraCal Therapeutics previously identified the oral small-molecule appetite suppressant Era-379 as its lead candidate.The candidate drug targets an "undisclosed novel protein.", the eggWhite matter drives peripheral liver-brain signaling and is associated with in vivoGLP-1 TargetXiang YaoCoordinationSame”。Potential Synergistic Effects with GLP-1 Receptor AgonistsInstructions,This molecule for foodTo take effect, but does not affect the vagus nerve connecting the intestines and the brain.

EraCal Therapeutics is also exploring other small-molecule mechanisms that act on energy expenditure, appetite induction, and circadian rhythms. The statement disclosing the Novo Nordisk deal did not specify the mechanism of the licensed asset.

Novo Nordisk’s authorization of this project further advances the business development strategy formed since the initiation of novel drug research collaboration with EraCal Therapeutics. During this period, Novo Nordisk acquired Embark Biotech and Inversago Pharma, established a partnership with Omega Therapeutics, and laid the groundwork for its product pipeline in other aspects, which may solidify its leading position in an increasingly competitive field with these candidate drugs.

At the JPM Annual Meeting held earlier this month, the CEO of Novo NordiskLars JørgensenOptimistic about the competition in obesity, he told attendees that anything raising "awareness of obesity as a chronic disease" is good for business. As the field matures, competitive positioning will become increasingly important.

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