Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Janssen) has announced that it has obtained worldwide rights, excluding China and Korea, to develop and commercialize oxyntomodulin-based therapies including HM12525A, a biologic that is completing phase 1 and expected to enter phase 2 studies next year, from Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

The agreement is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions.

HM12525A is an oxyntomodulin-based therapy (GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist) that has shown evidence of improving multiple metabolic parameters that lead to improved blood glucose, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. This asset has the potential, as a once weekly therapy, to be a best-in-class oxyntomodulin-based therapy.

"We are very excited about this agreement with Hanmi and the potential of HM12525A to improve therapeutic options for people living with metabolic diseases," said Dr James List, global therapeutic area head, Cardiovascular and Metabolism, Janssen. He added, "Our deep scientific expertise and demonstrated clinical development capabilities support our commitment to aggressively develop and launch transformational therapies for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We look forward to developing this potential best-in-class therapy, which allows us to build on our success in diabetes and strengthen our metabolism portfolio."