Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has obtained worldwide rights, excluding China and Korea, to develop and commercialize oxyntomodulin-based therapies including HM12525A, a biologic that is completing Phase I and expected to enter Phase II studies next year, from Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Korea-based pharmaceutical agreement. The agreement is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions.

HM12525A is an oxyntomodulin-based therapy (GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist) that has shown evidence of improving multiple metabolic parameters that lead to improved blood glucose, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. This asset has the potential, as a once weekly therapy, to be a best-in-class oxyntomodulin-based therapy.

This is the second agreement signed by Hanmi this month with a large pharmaceutical company. Earlier this month, Sanofi and Hanmi formed a worldwide license agreement valued up to EUR 3.9 billion ($4.2 billion) to develop a portfolio of experimental, long-acting diabetes treatments. Under that agreement, Hanmi will receive an upfront payment of EUR 400 million ($435 million) and is eligible for up to EUR 3.5 billion ($3.8 billion) in development, registration, and sales milestones, as well as double-digit royalties on net sales. Sanofi will obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize the following: (1) efpeglenatide, a late-stage long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA); (2) a weekly insulin, and (3) a fixed-dosed weekly GLP-1-RA/insulin drug combination. Collectively, these therapeutic offerings are known as the “Quantum Project” using Hanmi’s proprietary Long Acting Protein / Peptide Discovery Platform (LAPSCOVERY) technology that prolongs the duration of biologics. Hanmi will retain an exclusive option to co-commercialize the products in Korea and China.

Source : Johnson & Johnson