Novo Nordisk has entered into a licensing agreement with Hengrui Pharma for HRS-1596, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. This drug candidate is phase 1-ready and shows promise for once-weekly oral administration, targeting obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. The agreement grants Novo Nordisk exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-1596 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
The deal's potential total value is up to $2.6 billion, contingent on the achievement of development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. This includes an upfront payment of $300 million to Hengrui Pharma. Additionally, Hengrui Pharma stands to receive royalties based on net sales of HRS-1596 within the licensed territories. This move underscores Novo Nordisk's strategy to expand its oral pipeline in cardiometabolic diseases.
HRS-1596 is designed to reduce weight and improve glycemic control through mechanisms such as appetite suppression, insulin secretion stimulation, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Hengrui Pharma has already secured approval in China to begin phase 1 clinical trials for HRS-1596 in weight management and type 2 diabetes. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act clearance and other standard closing conditions.
