AstraZeneca obtains license for novel cardiometabolic and obesity treatment
AstraZeneca has licensed Eccogene's investigational oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, ECC5004. The drug is being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, other cardiometabolic conditions, and obesity.
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Eccogene for the development and commercialization of ECC5004. This is a clinical-stage oral, once-daily glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) being investigated for type 2 diabetes, other cardiometabolic conditions, and obesity.
Preliminary results from Phase I trials indicate that ECC5004 possesses a differentiating clinical profile, demonstrating good tolerability and encouraging reductions in glucose and body weight compared to placebo. The drug is expected to bolster AstraZeneca's pipeline for these conditions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eccogene will receive an initial upfront payment of $185 million. Additionally, Eccogene is eligible for up to $1.825 billion in future clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on net sales.
ECC5004 is a small molecule designed to offer a convenient oral alternative to current injectable GLP-1RA therapies. The agreement grants AstraZeneca exclusive global rights, excluding China, where Eccogene retains the right to co-develop and co-commercialize the drug alongside AstraZeneca.