Zosano Strikes $115-Million+ Plus Deal


Zosano Pharma, Inc. recently announced it has entered into an agreement with Novo Nordisk to develop a new transdermal presentation of semaglutide, an investigational proprietary human GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) analogue, to be administered once weekly using Zosano’s microneedle patch system for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Initially, Zosano and Novo Nordisk will engage in collaborative efforts to carry out preclinical experiments to verify delivery of semaglutide using Zosano’s microneedle patch system.

Under the terms of the agreement, Zosano will grant Novo Nordisk a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize Novo Nordisk’s proprietary GLP-1 analogues using Zosano’s microneedle patch system. Novo Nordisk will, pending successful outcomes of preclinical and clinical testing, be responsible for commercialization of all products under the agreement.

Potential payments to Zosano under the agreement include an upfront payment and additional payments upon achieving certain preclinical, clinical, regulatory, and sales milestones. Such payments could total more than $60 million for the first product and $55 million for each additional product. Zosano is also eligible to receive royalties on sales of products and will receive development support, as well as reimbursement of all development and manufacturing costs.

“We look forward to working with Novo Nordisk, a global leader in the field of diabetes, to develop a best-in-class product for glucose control in type 2 diabetics,” stated Vikram Lamba, Chief Executive Officer of Zosano. “Our goal in combining semaglutide with Zosano’s microneedle patch system is to offer weekly dosing, room temperature stability and self-administration without the need for a subcutaneous injection.”

Zosano’s microneedle patch delivers therapeutic compounds through the skin and provides rapid systemic drug delivery in a convenient, needle-free, and pain-free system.
Zosano Pharma, Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company and a pioneer in the field of transdermal drug delivery. For more information, visit www.zosanopharma.com