Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Announces Exclusive License Agreement with Novo Nordisk for LX9851
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Novo Nordisk for LX9851, a first-in-class oral non-incretin drug candidate targeting obesity and metabolic disorders. The deal includes potential payments of up to $1 billion, with $75 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments.
LX9851 is a selective oral small molecule inhibitor of ACSL5, targeting fat accumulation and energy balance regulation. Preclinical data from Obesity Week 2024 demonstrated that LX9851, when combined with semaglutide, significantly reduced weight, food intake, and fat mass compared to semaglutide alone. The drug also showed positive effects on liver steatosis and mitigated weight regain after semaglutide discontinuation.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will handle IND filing, development, manufacturing, and commercialization, while Lexicon completes IND-enabling activities. Lexicon will receive tiered royalties on net sales in addition to milestone payments.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) ha stipulato un accordo di licenza esclusiva mondiale con Novo Nordisk per LX9851, un candidato farmaco orale innovativo non incretino mirato all'obesità e ai disturbi metabolici. L'accordo prevede pagamenti potenziali fino a 1 miliardo di dollari, con 75 milioni di dollari in pagamenti iniziali e di traguardo a breve termine.
LX9851 è un inibitore selettivo orale di piccole molecole di ACSL5, mirato all'accumulo di grasso e alla regolazione dell'equilibrio energetico. I dati preclinici presentati durante la Obesity Week 2024 hanno dimostrato che LX9851, combinato con semaglutide, ha ridotto significativamente il peso, l'assunzione di cibo e la massa grassa rispetto a semaglutide da solo. Il farmaco ha anche mostrato effetti positivi sulla steatosi epatica e ha mitigato il ripristino del peso dopo l'interruzione di semaglutide.
Secondo l'accordo, Novo Nordisk si occuperà della presentazione dell'IND, dello sviluppo, della produzione e della commercializzazione, mentre Lexicon completerà le attività necessarie per l'IND. Lexicon riceverà royalties scalari sulle vendite nette oltre ai pagamenti per i traguardi.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) ha firmado un acuerdo de licencia mundial exclusivo con Novo Nordisk para LX9851, un candidato a fármaco oral de primera clase no incretínico dirigido a la obesidad y a los trastornos metabólicos. El acuerdo incluye pagos potenciales de hasta 1 mil millones de dólares, con 75 millones de dólares en pagos iniciales y de hitos a corto plazo.
LX9851 es un inhibidor oral de pequeñas moléculas selectivo de ACSL5, que se dirige a la acumulación de grasa y a la regulación del equilibrio energético. Los datos preclínicos presentados en la Obesity Week 2024 demostraron que LX9851, cuando se combina con semaglutida, redujo significativamente el peso, la ingesta de alimentos y la masa grasa en comparación con semaglutida sola. El fármaco también mostró efectos positivos sobre la esteatosis hepática y mitigó la recuperación de peso tras la interrupción de semaglutida.
Bajo el acuerdo, Novo Nordisk se encargará de la presentación del IND, el desarrollo, la fabricación y la comercialización, mientras que Lexicon completará las actividades necesarias para el IND. Lexicon recibirá regalías escalonadas sobre las ventas netas además de los pagos por hitos.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX)는 Novo Nordisk와 전 세계 독점 라이선스 계약을 체결하였으며, 이는 비만 및 대사 장애를 목표로 하는 최초의 경구 비인크레틴 약물 후보인 LX9851에 관한 것입니다. 이 거래에는 최대 10억 달러의 잠재적 지급이 포함되어 있으며, 7천5백만 달러의 선불 및 단기 이정표 지급이 포함됩니다.
LX9851은 지방 축적 및 에너지 균형 조절을 목표로 하는 ACSL5의 선택적 경구 소분자 억제제입니다. 2024년 비만 주간에서 발표된 전임상 데이터에 따르면, LX9851은 세마글루타이드와 결합했을 때 세마글루타이드 단독 사용에 비해 체중, 음식 섭취량 및 지방량을 유의미하게 감소시켰습니다. 이 약물은 또한 간 지방증에 긍정적인 효과를 보였고 세마글루타이드 중단 후 체중 회복을 완화했습니다.
계약에 따라 Novo Nordisk는 IND 제출, 개발, 제조 및 상업화를 담당하며, Lexicon은 IND 준비 활동을 완료합니다. Lexicon은 이정표 지급 외에도 순매출에 대한 단계별 로열티를 받게 됩니다.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) a conclu un accord de licence exclusif mondial avec Novo Nordisk pour LX9851, un candidat médicament oral de première classe non incrétinique ciblant l'obésité et les troubles métaboliques. L'accord comprend des paiements potentiels pouvant atteindre 1 milliard de dollars, dont 75 millions de dollars en paiements initiaux et de jalons à court terme.
LX9851 est un inhibiteur oral sélectif de petites molécules d'ACSL5, ciblant l'accumulation de graisse et la régulation de l'équilibre énergétique. Les données précliniques présentées lors de la Semaine de l'Obésité 2024 ont démontré que LX9851, lorsqu'il est combiné avec le sémaglutide, a réduit de manière significative le poids, l'apport alimentaire et la masse grasse par rapport au sémaglutide seul. Le médicament a également montré des effets positifs sur la stéatose hépatique et a atténué la reprise de poids après l'arrêt du sémaglutide.
Dans le cadre de l'accord, Novo Nordisk s'occupera du dépôt de l'IND, du développement, de la fabrication et de la commercialisation, tandis que Lexicon complètera les activités nécessaires à l'IND. Lexicon recevra des redevances échelonnées sur les ventes nettes en plus des paiements de jalons.
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (LXRX) hat eine exklusive weltweite Lizenzvereinbarung mit Novo Nordisk für LX9851, einen innovativen oralen Nicht-Incretin-Arzneikandidaten, der auf Fettleibigkeit und Stoffwechselstörungen abzielt, abgeschlossen. Der Deal umfasst potenzielle Zahlungen von bis zu 1 Milliarde Dollar, mit 75 Millionen Dollar an Vorauszahlungen und kurzfristigen Meilensteinzahlungen.
LX9851 ist ein selektiver oraler Kleinstmolekülinhibitor von ACSL5, der auf die Fettansammlung und die Regulierung des Energiehaushalts abzielt. Vorläufige Daten von der Obesity Week 2024 haben gezeigt, dass LX9851 in Kombination mit Semaglutid das Gewicht, die Nahrungsaufnahme und die Fettmasse im Vergleich zu Semaglutid allein signifikant reduzierte. Das Medikament zeigte auch positive Effekte auf die Lebersteatose und milderte die Gewichtszunahme nach dem Absetzen von Semaglutid.
Im Rahmen der Vereinbarung wird Novo Nordisk die IND-Einreichung, Entwicklung, Herstellung und Vermarktung übernehmen, während Lexicon die IND-fähigen Aktivitäten abschließt. Lexicon erhält gestaffelte Lizenzgebühren auf den Nettoumsatz zusätzlich zu den Meilensteinzahlungen.
- Substantial deal value of up to $1 billion in milestone payments
- Immediate financial boost with $75 million in upfront and near-term payments
- Additional revenue stream through tiered royalties on future sales
- Partnership with industry leader Novo Nordisk enhances drug development prospects
- Promising preclinical data showing synergistic effects with semaglutide
- Lexicon gives up control and rights to potentially valuable asset
- Future payments dependent on achieving development and regulatory milestones
- No guaranteed revenue beyond initial payments
- Drug still in early development stage with no human trial data
Insights
This exclusive licensing agreement represents a significant financial windfall for Lexicon Pharmaceuticals given their
The structure is particularly advantageous for Lexicon as it front-loads significant capital while transferring the substantial development, regulatory, and commercialization risks to Novo Nordisk - a company with extensive expertise in obesity therapeutics and global commercialization infrastructure. This allows Lexicon to monetize their discovery without bearing the enormous costs of late-stage clinical trials and marketing.
For Novo Nordisk, this acquisition complements their GLP-1 receptor agonist portfolio (including semaglutide/Wegovy) by adding a novel non-incretin mechanism through ACSL5 inhibition. The preclinical data showing synergistic effects with semaglutide and potential to mitigate weight regain after GLP-1 discontinuation suggests Novo is strategically expanding their obesity treatment options into combination and sequential therapies.
This deal structure - where Lexicon completes only the IND-enabling work before transferring development - suggests both companies recognize the value proposition while acknowledging the asset remains in early development with associated risks. The agreement provides Lexicon immediate financial stability while maintaining long-term upside through milestone payments and royalties if LX9851 succeeds in clinical development.
LX9851 represents a novel approach to obesity treatment through its selective inhibition of Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5), a key enzyme in metabolic pathways regulating fat accumulation and energy balance. This mechanism differs significantly from the GLP-1 receptor agonists that currently dominate the obesity market.
The preclinical data presented at Obesity Week 2024 demonstrates two particularly compelling applications. First, when combined with semaglutide, LX9851 produced enhanced weight loss, reduced food intake, and decreased fat mass compared to semaglutide alone. Second, it showed the ability to mitigate weight regain and improve liver steatosis when administered after semaglutide discontinuation.
These findings suggest LX9851 could address two significant unmet needs: enhancing efficacy of existing treatments through combination therapy, and preventing the common problem of weight regain after GLP-1 therapy cessation. The oral administration route is also advantageous compared to injectable GLP-1s.
The compound appears to work partially through the ileal brake mechanism - a physiological process that delays gastric emptying and suppresses appetite. This multi-modal action (metabolic effects plus appetite suppression) aligns with current understanding that successful obesity treatments must address multiple pathways.
While promising, it's important to note LX9851 is still pre-IND, meaning human clinical trials have not yet begun. The critical questions of safety, tolerability, and whether preclinical efficacy translates to humans remain to be answered in upcoming clinical development by Novo Nordisk.
Lexicon eligible to receive up to
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX) today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for LX9851, a first-in-class, oral non-incretin development candidate in obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive, worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize LX9851 in all indications. Lexicon will be responsible for completing agreed upon Investigational New Drug (IND) application-enabling activities for LX9851. Novo Nordisk will be responsible for filing the IND, all further development, manufacturing and commercialization of LX9851.
Lexicon is eligible to receive upfront and near-term milestone payments of up to
LX9851, discovered and developed by Lexicon, is a potent and selective oral small molecule inhibitor of Acyl-CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5). ACSL5 plays a key role in the metabolic pathway which regulates fat accumulation and energy balance. Additionally, LX9851 may activate the ileal brake mechanism leading to increased satiety by delaying gastric emptying and suppressing appetite. Preclinical in vivo efficacy data presented at Obesity Week 2024 show that LX9851, when combined with semaglutide, significantly reduced weight, food intake and fat mass compared to semaglutide alone. Separately, LX9851 mitigated weight regain and had positive effects on liver steatosis when introduced after semaglutide discontinuation.
"We are thrilled that Novo Nordisk, a global leader in diabetes care and obesity management, has recognized the potential of LX9851," said Mike Exton, Ph.D., chief executive officer and director of Lexicon. "This arrangement decisively strengthens our financial position, providing optionality as we further invest and accelerate our R&D portfolio.”
“Novo Nordisk is committed to serving the diverse needs of people living with obesity and other metabolic diseases and to build a pipeline of differentiated drug candidates in this space,” Jacob Sten Petersen, Senior Vice President, Diabetes, Obesity and MASH therapeutic area at Novo Nordisk. “We are pleased to enter this agreement with Lexicon as it will allow us to explore a novel biology and potential treatment paradigm further, and we look forward to building on the great work Lexicon has already done with the development of LX9851.”
About LX9851
LX9851 is an orally delivered small molecule drug candidate for the treatment of obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders. Lexicon is investigating the pharmacology of LX9851 as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide. Lexicon scientists identified the function of ACSL5, the target of LX9851, based on their discovery that knockout mice lacking the target enzyme exhibited favorable phenotypes across multiple measures of metabolic syndrome in preclinical models, including resistance to diet-induced obesity and improved body composition.
About Lexicon Pharmaceuticals
Lexicon is a biopharmaceutical company with a mission of pioneering medicines that transform patients’ lives. Through the Genome5000™ program, Lexicon’s unique genomics target discovery platform, Lexicon scientists studied the role and function of nearly 5,000 genes and identified more than 100 protein targets with significant therapeutic potential in a range of diseases. Through the precise targeting of these proteins, Lexicon is pioneering the discovery and development of innovative medicines to treat disease safely and effectively. Lexicon has a pipeline of promising drug candidates in discovery and clinical and preclinical development in cardiology, neuropathic pain, metabolism and other indications. For additional information, please visit www.lexpharma.com.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including statements relating to Lexicon’s financial position and long-term outlook on its business, growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including Lexicon’s ability to meet its capital requirements, conduct preclinical and clinical development and obtain necessary regulatory approvals of pilavapadin (LX9211), LX9851, sotagliflozin and its other drug candidates on its anticipated timelines, achieve its operational objectives, obtain patent protection for its discoveries and establish strategic alliances, as well as additional factors relating to manufacturing, intellectual property rights, and the therapeutic or commercial value of its drug candidates. Any of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause Lexicon’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Information identifying such important factors is contained under “Risk Factors” in Lexicon’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other subsequent disclosure documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For Investor and Media Inquiries:
Lisa DeFrancesco
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
lexinvest@lexpharma.com
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