The development of once-weekly oral GLP-1 treatments is creating new opportunities in the obesity and diabetes markets, with Novo Nordisk securing rights to HRS-1596 from China’s Hengrui Pharma in a potential $2.6bn agreement.
HRS-1596 is an investigational dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist designed to support weight reduction and improve blood glucose control. Its proposed once-weekly oral administration could offer an alternative to existing daily oral treatments and injectable therapies.
The agreement, announced on 29 September 2026, gives Novo Nordisk exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise HRS-1596 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
The deal includes an upfront payment of $300m, with a further $2.3bn potentially payable through development, regulatory and commercial milestones, alongside sales royalties.
HRS-1596 combines activity at two receptors involved in metabolic regulation. Its intended effects include appetite suppression, stimulation of insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity, supporting potential applications in obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
However, the treatment remains at an early stage of development. Hengrui has received approval in China to initiate Phase I clinical trials, but human safety, tolerability and efficacy data are not yet available.
The potential for once-weekly oral dosing is a key part of the drug’s development proposition. Existing oral GLP-1 options include daily administration, while several injectable treatments are given weekly. Combining oral administration with a weekly dosing schedule could provide an additional treatment option if clinical development confirms that the approach is effective and safe.
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