AstraZeneca inks billion dollar deal with Chinese startup Eccogene
10 November 2023 | News
To develop and commercialise small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist ECC5004 for cardiometabolic diseases
Image credit: shutterstock
China-based startup Eccogene has entered into an exclusive license agreement with UK-based pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca to develop and commercialise Eccogene's small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) ECC5004 for the potential treatment of obesity, type-2 diabetes and other comorbidities.
Preliminary results from the Phase I trial have shown a differentiating clinical profile for ECC5004, with good tolerability and encouraging glucose and body weight reduction across the dose levels tested compared to placebo.
GLP-1RAs are an important treatment option for people living with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. They have been shown to be effective at decreasing haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by mimicking the hormone GLP-1.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eccogene will receive an initial upfront payment of $185 million. In addition, Eccogene will be eligible to receive up to an additional $1.825 billion in future clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Eccogene is further eligible to receive tiered royalties on net product sales.
In exchange, AstraZeneca will receive exclusive rights to develop and commercialise Eccogene's ECC5004 small molecule GLP-1RA for any indication in all territories except China. Eccogene and AstraZeneca will partner for co-development and co-commercialisation of ECC5004 in China.
