Core Viewpoint - Roche has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Zealand Pharma to develop and commercialize petrelintide, an obesity candidate, alongside Roche's CT-388, enhancing its portfolio in the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CVRM) disease space [1][10]. Financial Terms - Roche will make upfront cash payments totaling 1.4 billion upon closing and 1.2 billion and sales-based milestones of 5.3 billion [5]. - The profits and losses from both petrelintide and the combination with CT-388 will be shared equally in the U.S. and Europe, with Zealand Pharma receiving tiered double-digit royalties on net sales in other regions [6]. Clinical Development - Petrelintide is currently in phase IIb studies, with ZUPREME-1 evaluating its efficacy in overweight individuals without type 2 diabetes (T2D) and ZUPREME-2 focusing on those with T2D, expected to start in the first half of 2025 [8]. - Clinical data suggests that petrelintide may become a best-in-class amylin monotherapy with better tolerability compared to existing obesity treatments [9]. Market Context - Roche is entering a competitive obesity market dominated by established players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which have seen significant success with their obesity drugs [11]. - Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy have experienced strong market uptake, highlighting the lucrative nature of the obesity treatment sector [12]. Strategic Moves - Roche is actively augmenting its pipeline, having acquired Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion, which added a differentiated incretin portfolio to its offerings [10].
RHHBY Enters Into a $5.3B Deal With Zealand Pharma for Obesity Drug