Septerna and Novo Nordisk to collaborate on oral small molecule medicines for obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases

Septerna, Inc. and Novo Nordisk announced an exclusive global collaboration and license agreement to discover, develop and commercialise oral small molecule medicines for obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases. The companies will initially commence four development programmes for potential small molecule therapies directed to one or more select G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targets, including the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. GPCRs represent the largest and most diverse family of cell membrane receptors, with hundreds of different GPCRs regulating physiological processes in nearly every organ system of the human body. Using its proprietary Native Complex Platform, Septerna aims to unlock the full potential of GPCR therapies. The company is focused on the discovery and development of a pipeline of oral small molecules for multiple therapeutic areas, initially focused on endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Septerna is eligible to receive approximately 2.2 billion US dollars from Novo Nordisk across an upfront payment and research, development and commercial milestone payments. This includes more than 200 million dollars in upfront and near-term milestone payments. Septerna is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on global net sales of marketed products. Novo Nordisk will cover all research and development expenses for partnered programs under the collaboration.