Roche has licensed an experimental obesity drug from China-based Rona Therapeutics, in a deal that could be worth up to $1.16 billion. The agreement gives Roche exclusive worldwide rights to the candidate.
Rona will receive $100 million upfront. It is also eligible for up to $1.06 billion in milestone payments, plus royalties.
The deal marks a move by Roche to compete in the fast-growing weight-loss drug market, currently dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The candidate is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapy that targets ALK7, a gene genetically linked to obesity. It is designed to selectively reduce visceral fat while preserving lean muscle mass, offering a potentially differentiated treatment approach.