Novo Nordisk has entered into a licensing agreement with China's Hengrui Pharma for HRS-1596, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist designed for once-weekly oral administration. This drug aims to reduce weight and improve glycemic control, targeting conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk will gain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-1596 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Region.
The total potential value of the deal is up to $2.6 billion, contingent on the achievement of various development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. An upfront payment of $300 million will be made by Novo Nordisk to Hengrui Pharma. Additionally, Hengrui Pharma will be eligible to receive royalties based on net sales of HRS-1596 within the licensed territory. HRS-1596 is currently phase I-ready, having received approval in China to initiate clinical trials for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
This collaboration combines Hengrui's innovation in metabolic disease therapies with Novo Nordisk's established leadership in GLP-1 treatments and obesity care. Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, highlighted the company's commitment to advancing its oral pipeline and exploring the drug's potential for convenient, once-weekly oral administration. The transaction is subject to U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act clearance and other customary closing conditions, with an expected close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
