Novo Nordisk and Hengrui Pharma Sign License Agreement for Oral GLP-1/GIP Agonist

Novo Nordisk has secured global rights to develop and commercialize a new oral diabetes and obesity drug candidate from Chinese pharmaceutical company Hengrui Pharma. The agreement announced on September 29, 2026, centers on HRS-1596, a molecule designed as a once-weekly oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) dual receptor agonist.

Hengrui Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $300 million and could earn up to an additional $2.3 billion in milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on net sales. Novo Nordisk will exclusively develop, manufacture, and commercialize HRS-1596 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

Hengrui Pharma has already received regulatory approval in China to commence Phase I clinical trials for HRS-1596, targeting weight management and type 2 diabetes. The drug candidate is designed to address metabolic diseases by potentially reducing weight and improving glycemic control through mechanisms like appetite suppression and enhanced insulin secretion.

The collaboration highlights Novo Nordisk's strategy to expand its oral drug pipeline, building on its established leadership in GLP-1 therapies. HRS-1596 offers the potential for improved patient convenience through its oral, once-weekly dosing profile compared to existing injectable treatments.