Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Announces Major Agreement with Novo Nordisk for Obesity Drug LX9851
$LXRX
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:LXRX) has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S, marking a significant development in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The agreement grants Novo Nordisk rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize LX9851, a promising new drug candidate.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lexicon will complete specific preclinical activities necessary for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for LX9851. Novo Nordisk will then assume responsibility for the IND filing, along with subsequent development, production, and commercialization efforts. The financial terms outline that Lexicon could receive up to $1 billion in upfront payments, as well as developmental, regulatory, and sales milestones. Additionally, the company will earn tiered royalties on the net sales of LX9851.
LX9851 is an oral small molecule inhibitor of Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5), an enzyme involved in regulating fat accumulation and energy balance. The drug has also shown potential in activating the ileal brake mechanism, which may enhance satiety by slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. Preclinical data presented at Obesity Week 2024 demonstrated that LX9851, when combined with semaglutide, led to greater reductions in weight, food intake, and fat mass compared to semaglutide alone.
Lexicon CEO Mike Exton, Ph.D., emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that it strengthens the company’s financial position and allows for greater focus on advancing its research and development initiatives. Jacob Sten Petersen, Senior Vice President at Novo Nordisk, highlighted the agreement’s potential to expand understanding of metabolic disease mechanisms and support the development of differentiated treatment options.
Lexicon’s commitment to scientific discovery is reinforced by its Genome5000™ program, through which its researchers have examined nearly 5,000 genes to identify therapeutic targets across various disease areas, including cardiology, neuropathic pain, and metabolic disorders. Novo Nordisk, a global leader in healthcare since 1923, continues to focus on developing treatments for chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity through scientific innovation and expanded patient access.
This collaboration underscores the ongoing advancements in pharmaceutical research for metabolic disorders and highlights the role of strategic partnerships in accelerating drug development. As new data emerges, the impact of LX9851 and similar treatments on obesity management and broader metabolic health will continue to be closely observed.
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