Roche strikes obesity drug licensing deal worth up to $1.16 billion with Rona Therapeutics
Roche entered a licensing agreement with Rona Therapeutics for an investigational obesity drug candidate, worth up to $1.16 billion. Rona is set to receive $100 million upfront and could receive up to $1.06 billion in milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on global net sales.
1. Deal terms
Roche entered a licensing agreement with Rona Therapeutics for the Chinese biotech firm's investigational obesity drug candidate. Rona is set to receive $100 million upfront and is eligible for up to $1.06 billion in potential milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on global net sales.
2. Drug target
The RNAi candidate targets activin receptor-like kinase 7, or ALK7, a target for obesity and metabolic diseases. In September, Roche reported positive mid-stage data for its obesity and diabetes candidate enicepatide, which helped patients lose weight and lower blood sugar levels.
