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Full analysis, sources & comparables →Novo Nordisk on Friday licensed an experimental medicine from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals that it intends to develop for obesity and associated metabolic…
Novo Nordisk has been on the hunt for differentiated obesity drugs that could complement its blockbuster GLP-1 agonist, Wegovy. The Danish pharmaceutical…
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk announced initiation of a Phase 1 study with oral obesity drug candidate LX9851 on March 23, 2026. The study evaluates…
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Novo Nordisk obtained an exclusive worldwide license (all indications) to LX9851, a first-in-class oral ACSL5 inhibitor for obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders. Lexicon received $45M upfront (paid April 2025, making the license effective) plus $30M in near-term milestones, and is eligible for up to $485M in regulatory/commercial-launch milestones and up to $475M in sales milestones (~$1B total) plus tiered single-digit to low-double-digit royalties. Novo Nordisk initiated a Phase 1 study on March 23, 2026 (single and multiple ascending doses vs placebo in 96 people with overweight or obesity; completion expected Q1 2027), triggering a $10M milestone to Lexicon, with a further $10M achievable later in 2026.
| Deal | Year | Value | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (this deal) | 2025 | $1.0B | — |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Emisphere Technologies | 2020 | $1.4B | 90 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2019 | $3.3B | 88 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Vivtex Inc. | 2026 | $2.1B | 69 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2021 | $3.3B | 68 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Forma Therapeutics Holdings Inc. | 2022 | $1.1B | 68 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S / Inversago Pharma | 2023 | $1.1B | 61 |
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