Hengrui Pharma (600276.SH; 01276.HK) recently announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Novo Nordisk for HRS‑1596. HRS‑1596 is a GLP‑1/GIP dual receptor agonist ready for Phase I clinical trials, with potential for once‑weekly oral administration.
As the preclinical research partner for HRS‑1596, Medicilon provided pharmacokinetic and safety evaluation services to support the drug’s Phase I clinical trial filings with NMPA, FDA and OECD.
Major Global Out-Licensing
HRS‑1596 Worldwide License Secured with Up to USD 2.6 Billion Total Potential Value
Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtains exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize HRS‑1596 globally, excluding Greater China. The transaction carries a total potential value of up to USD 2.6 billion, including a USD 300 million upfront payment plus subsequent development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. Hengrui Pharma will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales of HRS‑1596 within the licensed territories.
The license agreement is subject to regulatory approval under the US Hart‑Scott‑Rodino Act and other customary closing conditions. Closing is expected in Q4 2026. This represents a high-impact global collaboration for Chinese novel drugs. For metabolic therapeutics, it accelerates the global development of a small-molecule peptide candidate with differentiated oral dosing potential.
Innovative Oral Candidate
HRS‑1596, a GLP‑1/GIP Dual Agonist, with Potential Once‑Weekly Oral Dosing
Hengrui Pharma’s HRS‑1596 works through multiple mechanisms including appetite suppression, enhanced insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity to facilitate weight loss and glycemic control. It is being investigated for obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Notably, HRS‑1596 is designed for potential once‑weekly oral administration. Compared with existing therapies, this could drastically reduce dosing frequency and improve patient convenience. Hengrui Pharma has obtained approval in China to initiate Phase I clinical trials of HRS‑1596 for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Medicilon’s Track Record in Enabling GLP‑1 Programs
22 GLP‑1 Candidates Cleared for Clinical Trials, 7 Secured BD Out-Licensing Deals
Medicilon offers one-stop preclinical GLP‑1 services spanning drug discovery, pharmaceutical development, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety assessment. Medicilon’s platform features well-established animal models for diabetes and obesity, supporting preclinical development of diverse GLP‑1 modalities including peptides, small molecules, multi-target agonists and oral formulations. All studies comply with international standards required for NMPA, FDA and OECD submissions to enable clinical trial applications across the globe.
Backed by robust technical platforms, standardized quality systems and extensive project experience, Medicilon helps global biopharma unlock the value of their pipelines. To date,Medicilon has supported 22 GLP‑1 candidates to receive clinical trial approvals, of which 7 have completed out-licensing BD transactions.
Medicilon congratulates Hengrui Pharma on the exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk for HRS‑1596. We look forward to smooth progress of clinical studies and hope this therapy will benefit patients with metabolic diseases worldwide.
GLP‑1-based metabolic therapies remain one of the hottest areas in global drug discovery. Oral delivery, multi-target activity and long-acting formulations are key industry trends. Medicilon will continue to strengthen the preclinical capabilities for metabolic diseases, accelerating clinical development and global BD partnerships for more innovative pipelines.
