Novo Nordisk licenses Hengrui Pharma's HRS-1596 once-weekly oral GLP-1/GIP drug in deal worth up to USD 2.6 billion

(AWP Alliance News) - Novo Nordisk entered an exclusive global license deal with Hengrui Pharma for HRS-1596, a phase 1-ready oral GLP-1/GIP dual agonist designed for once-weekly dosing. Novo will gain rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the drug outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

The agreement carries potential value of up to USD 2.6 billion, including USD 300 million upfront, with additional milestone payments and sales royalties. Hengrui has clearance in China to start phase 1 trials in weight management and type 2 diabetes.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to US antitrust clearance.

https://www.publicnow.com/view/1405E137129A2ED0D82245096B527F2BE0A04D5F…

Disclaimer: This news brief was created using generative artificial intelligence. Novo Nordisk A/S published the original content used to generate this news brief on September 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.