Novo Licenses Hengrui Pharma's Weight-loss Drug in Up to $3 Billion Deal

MT Newswires · 2d ago
01:54 AM EDT, 09/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Novo Nordisk (NOVO-B.CO) signed a license agreement for exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Hengrui Pharma's weight loss drug HRS-1596 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. HRS-1596 is a phase 1-ready, once-weekly oral dual agonist targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptors. The drug is designed to promote weight loss and improve glycemic control through multiple mechanisms, according to a Tuesday release. The agreement includes a $300 million upfront payment and is valued at up to $2.6 billion, contingent on achieving applicable development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Hengrui Pharma is also eligible to receive royalties on net sales within the licensed territory. The transaction is slated to close in the fourth quarter, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.