Agreement to develop and commercialise long-acting GLP drug candidate by South Korea-based biopharma company.
Eli Lilly is adding another medicine to its growing GLP portfolio by licensing a novel long-acting glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) biologic from Hanmi Pharm, for up to $1.26 billion.
While Hanmi Pharm’s sonefpeglutide (LAPSGLP-2 analog) is being evaluated in an ongoing phase II trial in short bowel syndrome (SBS), Lilly’s current GLP roster for obesity and diabetes includes blockbuster drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) injections.
In non-clinical studies, sonefpeglutide has demonstrated ability to promote intestinal growth, lower inflammation and protection and regeneration of the intestinal mucosa.
Separately, research suggests that adding sodium caprate (C10) to formulation could enhance intestinal absorption and the performance of semaglutide tablets, a blockbuster GLP-based drug.
Under the license agreement, Hanmi will receive $75 million upfront and up to an additional $1.185 billion in milestone payments, alongside royalties.
Through the agreement, Lilly has global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise sonefpeglutide, excluding Korea.
It is highly meaningful that Lilly―one of the most closely watched innovators globally―has highly recognized the development potential for sonefpeglutide”
Juhyun Lim, Vice Chairman of Hanmi, said: “It is highly meaningful that Lilly―one of the most closely watched innovators globally―has highly recognized the development potential for sonefpeglutide.”
Meanwhile, Lilly will explore additional clinical trials for sonefpeglutide based on its clinical and non-clinical data.
In April, the US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) authorised Lilly’s small molecule obesity pill Foundayo (orforglipron), the firm’s second US-approved obesity medicine.
The company plans to produce the small molecule GLP-1 therapy at a new manufacturing facility in Alabama, US. At the time of the announcement, Ricks stated this will help Lilly continue its “onshoring of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, strengthening supply chain resilience and reliable access to medicines for patients in the US”.
Alongside building its GLP drug pipeline, Lilly recently made a trio of investments in its vaccine portfolio, acquiring Curevo, LimmaTech Biologics AG and Vaccine Company, for a potential sum of $3.8 billion.
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