Merck has entered into a global licensing agreement with Chinese biopharmaceutical company Hansoh Pharma to develop an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, HS-10535.
The drug is in preclinical stages and aims to target cardiometabolic benefits, including weight reduction, according to a Dec. 18 news release from Merck. Under the agreement, Merck will have exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the drug worldwide.
Hansoh Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $112 million, with the potential for an additional $1.9 billion in milestone payments tied to the drug's development, regulatory approval and commercialization.