Uppsala, Sweden-based Nanexa AB (STO: NANEXA) has entered a global exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk covering use of its PharmaShell long-acting drug delivery platform for certain peptide-based therapies in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases. The agreement covers up to five development programs and carries total potential payments of up to EUR 1.165 billion.
Nanexa is eligible for EUR 615 million in upfront consideration and development and regulatory milestones, with the remaining potential value tied to sales milestones. The standalone upfront payment was not disclosed. Nanexa is also eligible for low single-digit royalties on global net sales, while Novo Nordisk will lead global development and commercialization.
PharmaShell uses atomic layer deposition to apply ultra-thin coatings to drug particles, allowing release rates to be controlled without chemically modifying the underlying molecule. Nanexa is developing the platform for long-acting injectable formulations with high drug loading and low injection volumes, with monthly and quarterly dosing among the objectives of the Novo collaboration.
The platform has already generated clinical proof-of-concept through NEX-22, Nanexa’s once-monthly formulation of liraglutide. In a Phase I study in people with type 2 diabetes, a 30 mg dose produced prolonged liraglutide exposure for up to 36 days, supporting the potential for monthly administration.