Novo Nordisk turns to self-replicating RNA startups to discover new metabolic drugs
Novo Nordisk has internal research and external alliances, pursuing new drugs that can shape the next generation of metabolic drugs. The drug giant’s latest move is a partnership with Replica Biosciences, a clinical-stage startup whose work focuses on emerging RNA therapies.
The agreement announced Thursday called on the companies to collaborate on undisclosed obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiac metabolic diseases. Novo Nordisk is licensed to use Replicate’s technology platform to develop and commercialize leading programs.
San Diego-based replication specializes in self-replicating RNA or SRRNA. This type of RNA can work by replicating itself in the patient's cells. These RNAs instruct the cells to make continuous therapeutic proteins. Repeatedly, this RNA therapy may require lower dosing levels, while also requiring longer therapeutic effects.
Replicate's research has produced the Internal Program RBI-4000, a rabies vaccine in phase 1 testing. The company has a preclinical vaccine program for infectious mononucleosis, as well as preclinical trivalent candidates for respiratory pathogens RSV, HMPV and PIV. Its therapy involves preclinical programs for use in inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and ER-positive breast cancer. Repeat Pipeline currently lists a diabetes/obesity program RBI-X000, which is now in partnership with Novo Nordisk.
Specific financial details of the new partnership remain confidential, but the two companies said the replication could receive up to $550 million, which includes upfront and milestone payments. Novo Nordisk will also provide replication for research funding. There is no specified league length except saying it is a multi-year deal. If the study results in approved drugs, they are eligible for royalties from the sale of the product.
As the pharmaceutical giant spreads its bets to metabolize drugs, upfront payments have not been specified in other Novo Nordisk deals with early and discovery stage companies. In 2023, Novo acquired two startups: Inversago, a developer of oral small molecules that blocked developers of CB1 receptors in peripheral tissues and landed on Biotech, a developer of drugs that increase energy consumption. Earlier this year, Novo formed an alliance with Septerna, a developer of small-molecule drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors. The partnership's goals include GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Prior to the Septerna deal, Novo's ongoing alliance with Valo Health expanded to include more cardiac metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
“Novo Nordisk has been seeking to lead in cardiac metabolic disease,” said Karina Thorn, vice president of nucleic acid research at Novo Nordisk, in a prepared statement. “We are trying to combine our core capabilities with selected model platforms to improve the innovation bar to benefit people with severe chronic diseases.”
RNA therapy has represented its $3.3 billion acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, a partner of RNA Interference of Cardiomementimatemeases in Novo Nordisk's pipeline. Dicerna's acquisition took place in 2021, and the same year replicated launched a $40 million Series A financing from Apple Tree Partners.
Photo: Liselotte Sabroe/Scanpix Denmark/AFP, via Getty Images
