Novo Nordisk has begun dosing in a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial of LX9851 in 96 adults with overweight or obesity. The study will evaluate single and multiple ascending doses to measure safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics over a 12-month period.

Under the exclusive license agreement signed in March 2025, Lexicon has received two $10 million milestone payments and is eligible for a third later this year. The partnership could deliver up to $1 billion in combined upfront, development, regulatory and sales milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales of LX9851.

LX9851 is an oral ACSL5 inhibitor designed to regulate fat accumulation and energy balance while activating the ileal brake to increase satiety. Preclinical data show that when combined with semaglutide, LX9851 produced greater weight loss, reduced food intake and improved liver steatosis compared to semaglutide alone.