Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals (600276.SH) signed a licensing agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for the HRS-1596 project.

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals (600276.SH) announced that the company has entered into an agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S ("Novo") to license Hengrui's potential once-weekly oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual receptor agonist HRS-1596 ("HRS-1596") to Novo for consideration. Novo will obtain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-1596 worldwide outside of Greater China. The potential total transaction value of the deal is up to US$2.6 billion, including a US$300 million upfront payment and payments upon the achievement of relevant development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones. In addition, Hengrui will be eligible to receive corresponding sales royalties based on net sales of HRS-1596 in the licensed territory. HRS-1596 is a GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist independently developed by Hengrui. HRS-1596 is designed to achieve weight loss and improve glycemic control through multiple mechanisms, including suppressing appetite, promoting insulin secretion, and improving insulin sensitivity, and has the potential for use in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. HRS-1596 is expected to enable once-weekly oral administration, which could significantly reduce dosing frequency and improve convenience compared with existing treatment options. Hengrui has been approved in China to conduct Phase I clinical trials of HRS-1596 for weight management and type 2 diabetes. The signing of this agreement will help broaden the overseas market for HRS-1596, provide high-quality treatment options for patients worldwide, and further enhance the company's innovative brand and overseas performance. The company adheres to placing equal emphasis on independent research and development and open collaboration, strengthening international cooperation on the basis of organic development, achieving the rapid translation of R&D achievements, leveraging internationally leading partners to cover overseas markets, accelerating integration into the global drug innovation network, maximizing product value, and enabling the company's innovative products to serve patients worldwide.