In preclinical studies, the firm’s carriers were shown to provide bioavailable oral formulations of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Novo Nordisk has obtained a license to use Emisphere Technologies’ eligen carrier technology to advance its type 2 diabetes program. The platform will be used in developing and commercializing oral formulations of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The agreement includes at least $87 million in product development and sales milestone payments. Of this, $10 million will be the minimum first year payment. Emisphere will also earn royalties.
Novo Nordisk will be responsible for the development and commercialization of the product candidates. The firms report that they have been collaborating since 2007 on early-stage preclinical research that confirmed the utility of Emisphere’s carriers to provide bioavailable oral formulations of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Novo Nordisk also obtained an option to develop other oral formulations of compounds using eligen. The technology, according to the companies, makes it possible to deliver a therapeutic molecule without altering its chemical form or biological integrity.
