Zealand Pharma and Roche Announce Collaboration and License Agreement
Copenhagen, Denmark – March 12, 2025 – Zealand Pharma A/S (Zealand Pharma) and Roche announced today a collaboration and license agreement to co-develop and co-commercialize petrelintide, a potential foundational therapy for people with overweight and obesity. The companies will work together to bring petrelintide monotherapy and potential combination products, including petrelintide/CT-388, to the U.S. and European markets.
Financial Terms
Under the terms of the agreement, Zealand Pharma will receive upfront cash payments of USD 1.65 billion, including USD 1.4 billion due at closing and USD 250 million in anniversary payments over two years. The total consideration for Zealand Pharma could reach USD 5.3 billion if certain milestones are met. Profits and losses will be shared on a 50/50 basis for petrelintide and petrelintide/CT-388 in the U.S. and Europe, and Zealand Pharma is eligible to royalties on net sales in the rest of the world.
Technological Contribution and Payment
Zealand Pharma will pay Roche USD 350 million for the contribution of CT-388 in the first combination product arising from the collaboration. CT-388 is an investigational drug being developed by Roche for the treatment of obesity.
Unlocking the Full Value of Petrelintide
The collaboration and license agreement between Zealand Pharma and Roche aims to unlock the full value of petrelintide, redefining the standard of care for people with overweight and obesity. By establishing the leading amylin-based franchise, the partnership is expected to bring innovative treatments to a large and growing patient population.
Impact on Individuals
For individuals struggling with overweight and obesity, this collaboration could lead to new and effective treatment options. Petrelintide, an amylin receptor agonist, has shown promising results in clinical trials for weight loss and improving glycemic control in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The potential combination with CT-388, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, could further enhance the therapeutic effect.
Global Impact
The collaboration between Zealand Pharma and Roche could have a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape. With obesity affecting over 650 million people worldwide, this partnership could lead to the development of innovative treatments that not only help individuals manage their weight but also improve their overall health and well-being. The collaboration could also create new opportunities for both companies, strengthening their presence in the pharmaceutical industry.
Zealand Pharma will host a conference call today, March 12, at 1pm CET / 8am ET to discuss the agreement in more detail.
Conclusion
The collaboration and license agreement between Zealand Pharma and Roche represents a significant step forward in the development of innovative treatments for overweight and obesity. With the potential to unlock the full value of petrelintide and establish a leading amylin-based franchise, this partnership could redefine the standard of care for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The impact on individuals and the global healthcare landscape is expected to be substantial, creating new opportunities for both companies and improving the lives of millions of people around the world.
