Novo Nordisk Acquires Ziylo for $800 Million to Advance Glucose-Responsive Insulin Development

Today, Novo Nordisk announced the acquisition of Ziylo, a company based at the Unit DX science incubator in Bristol, UK. Spun out from the University of Bristol, Ziylo is dedicated to applying its platform technology—synthetic glucose binding molecules—for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The potential value of the transaction could exceed $800 million, contingent upon the achievement of specific research and development, regulatory, and sales milestones.

Ziylo’s glucose-binding molecules are synthetic molecules designed by Professor Anthony Davis of the University of Bristol. These stable synthetic molecules exhibit unprecedented selectivity for glucose in complex environments, such as blood. Combined with Novo Nordisk’s pioneering advanced insulin engineering, this technology aims to deliver the world’s first glucose-responsive insulin, transforming the treatment of diabetes.

This acquisition will grant Novo Nordisk full rights to Ziylo’s glucose-binding molecule platform for the development of glucose-responsive insulins. The development of glucose-responsive insulins is a key strategic initiative in Novo Nordisk’s efforts to create next-generation insulin therapies, which aim to deliver safer and more effective insulin treatment. Glucose-responsive insulins help eliminate the risk of hypoglycemia, a primary concern in insulin therapy and one of the major barriers to achieving optimal glycemic control. Consequently, glucose-responsive insulins can lead to improved metabolic control, thereby reducing the overall disease burden for patients with diabetes.

Prior to the completion of the acquisition, certain R&D activities were spun off from Ziylo into a new company, Carbometrics. Carbometrics has entered into a research collaboration with Novo Nordisk to assist in the continued optimization of glucose-binding molecules for use in glucose-responsive insulin. Carbometrics holds the license to develop non-therapeutic applications of glucose-binding molecules, with a focus on continuous glucose monitoring applications.

“We believe that combining the glucose-binding molecule discovered by the Ziylo team with Novo Nordisk’s world-class insulin expertise holds promise for delivering glucose-responsive insulin, eliminating the risk of hypoglycemia and ensuring optimal glycemic control for patients with diabetes,” said Dr. Marcus Schindler, Senior Vice President of Global Drug Discovery at Novo Nordisk.

▲ Dr. Harry Destecroix, CEO and Co-founder of Ziylo (Image source: Official website of Unit DX Incubator)

“To maximize the potential of Ziylo’s glucose-binding molecules in applications for glucose-responsive insulin and diabetes, Novo Nordisk is the ideal partner, bringing hope for truly groundbreaking therapies to people with diabetes,” said Dr. Harry Destecroix, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziylo. “Novo Nordisk is a leader in the field of diabetes, with deep clinical development and regulatory expertise, as well as a mature commercial infrastructure to deliver important new treatments to patients.”

We look forward to this collaboration bringing innovative therapies to patients!

Headline: Express | Novo Nordisk Acquires Diabetes Startup for $800 Million to Develop Next-Generation Insulin

References:

[1] Novo Nordisk acquires Ziylo Ltd to accelerate its development of glucose responsive insulins. Retrieved August 17, 2018, from https://www.novonordisk.com/content/Denmark/HQ/www-novonordisk-com/en_gb/home/media/news-details.2211063.html

[2] University spin-out Ziylo acquired by global healthcare company in $800m deal which could transform the treatment of diabetes. Retrieved August 17, 2018 from https://unitdx.com/university-spin-out-ziylo-acquired-by-global-healthcare-company-in-800m-deal-which-could-transform-the-treatment-of-diabetes/

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