Novo Nordisk to Acquire Inversago Pharma

Novo Nordisk has agreed to acquire Inversago for up to $1.075 billion in cash if certain development and commercial milestones are achieved, the company announced on Aug. 10, 2023. The acquisition of the latter includes the company’s lead development asset INV-202, an oral CB1 inverse agonist which is designed to block the receptor protein CB1. According to the press release, CB1 plays an important role in metabolism and appetite regulation in the peripheral tissues, like the kidneys and liver.

INV-202 will continue to be investigated under Novo Nordisk as a potential treatment for obesity and obesity-related complications.

“The acquisition of Inversago Pharma will further strengthen our clinical development pipeline in obesity and related disorders,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk, in a press release. “This promising class of medicine pioneered by the Inversago team could lead to life-changing new treatment options for those living with a serious chronic disease and, in particular, may offer alternative or complementary solutions for people living with obesity.”

François Ravenelle, chief executive officer of Inversago Pharma, emphasized the delight he feels in joining forces with a global leader in the obesity and metabolic disorder space. “We believe this combination will help unlock the full medical potential of our CB1 blockers and may one day expand treatment options for people living with metabolic syndrome, obesity and related complications,” he said in a press release. “Novo Nordisk has world-class research facilities, significant global reach and a rich culture of collaboration seeking to bring our therapeutic treatments to market.”

The closing of the acquisition is expected to happen before the end of 2023, according to the press release.

Source: Inversago Pharma