Zealand Pharma Partners with Roche for Obesity Therapy Development

Groundbreaking Collaboration in Obesity Treatment

In a significant move for the treatment of obesity, Zealand Pharma A/S has formed a partnership with Roche to co-develop and commercialize petrelintide. This agreement aims to create innovative therapies for individuals affected by overweight and obesity, establishing a new standard of care in this field.

Details of the Collaboration

The collaboration will focus on the development of petrelintide as a standalone therapy and potentially in combination with other agents, such as CT-388. Both companies will benefit from shared expertise to maximize the potential of petrelintide, which is poised to become a foundational therapy for weight management across the U.S. and Europe.

Financial Aspects of the Deal

Under the terms of this collaboration, Zealand Pharma will receive upfront cash of USD 1.65 billion, with payments structured to include USD 1.4 billion at closing and an additional USD 250 million in anniversary payments. Furthermore, this agreement allows for milestone payments that could bring the total consideration up to USD 5.3 billion.

Commercialization Shares and Royalty Payments

Profits and losses from the commercialization of petrelintide will be evenly shared between Zealand Pharma and Roche in the U.S. and Europe. Zealand Pharma will further benefit from receiving tiered royalty payments on net sales across other global markets. Roche, with its resources and experience, is well-positioned to enhance the visibility and accessibility of petrelintide in the market.

Transforming the Standard of Care

The collaboration's primary goal is to transform how weight management is approached, particularly for the significant number of individuals struggling with obesity. Petrelintide, an amylin analog, is designed to be a long-acting therapeutic option, enabling effective management of weight while improving patient experience and adherence.

Statements from Leadership

Adam Steensberg, the CEO of Zealand Pharma, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Roche, stating, "This transformational partnership aims to maximize the full value of petrelintide for individuals living with obesity. We believe Roche is the ideal partner to realize this vision. Together, we can address the unmet medical needs of millions worldwide." Teresa Graham, CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their shared commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Impact on the Future of Weight Management

The global obesity crisis is mounting, with obesity rates projected to reach unprecedented levels worldwide. The focus is shifting towards effective treatments that can provide longer-lasting benefits and reduce associated health complications. Zealand Pharma's expertise in peptide-based medicines and Roche's capabilities position them uniquely to revolutionize the approach to treatment.

About Petrelintide

Petrelintide has been carefully engineered to work alongside insulin to manage weight effectively. It acts on amylin receptors to restore sensitivity to the satiety hormone leptin, which can lead to a significant reduction in body weight. Recent clinical studies demonstrate its potential, showing participants experienced an average weight loss of 8.6% over 16 weeks.

Currently, petrelintide is advancing into Phase 2b clinical trials, including studies on patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Results indicate not only its efficacy in weight management but also its tolerability among patients, making it a promising new option in obesity treatment.

Looking Forward

As Zealand Pharma continues its journey in partnership with Roche, the road ahead is filled with potential discoveries for the treatment of obesity. The commitment to co-develop groundbreaking therapies demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling a global health challenge.

To learn more about Zealand Pharma’s initiatives and future developments, interested stakeholders are encouraged to reach out through their investor relations contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Zealand Pharma and Roche collaboration?

The collaboration focuses on co-developing petrelintide as a foundational therapy for weight management and addressing obesity.

How much is Zealand Pharma set to receive from Roche?

Zealand Pharma will receive USD 1.65 billion in upfront payments, with the potential for total consideration of up to USD 5.3 billion through milestone payments.

What are the expected benefits of petrelintide?

Petrelintide aims to effectively manage weight by enhancing the body's response to the satiety hormone leptin, offering a tolerable alternative to existing treatments.

Which regions are included in the commercialization efforts?

The agreement allows for co-commercialization in the U.S. and Europe, while Roche holds exclusive rights to the rest of the world.

What are the next steps for petrelintide's development?

Petrelintide is currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials to continue assessing its efficacy and tolerability in diverse patient populations.

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