01.13.10
Novo Nordisk has initiated its first Phase I trial with a long-acting oral GLP-1 analogue (NN9924), triggering a $2 million milestone payment to development partner Emisphere Technologies. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a natural hormone involved in controlling blood sugar levels. GLP-1 secretion is often impaired in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
NN9924 is formulated using Emisphere’s Eligen Technology to facilitate absorption from the gut in order to obtain adequate bioavailability. The trial will investigate the safety, tolerability and bioavailability of NN9924 in healthy volunteers and will enroll approximately 155 people. Results are expected in 2011.
“We still have a long road with many challenges ahead of us before an insulin pill or a GLP-1 pill becomes a reality,” said Peter Kurtzhals, senior vice president and head of diabetes research at Novo Nordisk. “But with the progress we have made so far I am convinced it is only a matter of time.”
Michael V. Novinski, president and chief executive officer, Emisphere Technologies, said, “This milestone reflects a major achievement for our program and partnership with Novo Nordisk and is one small but significant step forward in the development of a successful treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. As a company, we are extremely encouraged by the progress to date and look forward to the future and the potential benefits this program may bring to the millions of patients being treated for this disease.”
In June 2008, the two companies entered into a development and license agreement to develop and commercialize oral formulations of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 analogues using Emisphere’s Eligen Technology. This is the first development milestone achieved under this agreement.
NN9924 is formulated using Emisphere’s Eligen Technology to facilitate absorption from the gut in order to obtain adequate bioavailability. The trial will investigate the safety, tolerability and bioavailability of NN9924 in healthy volunteers and will enroll approximately 155 people. Results are expected in 2011.
“We still have a long road with many challenges ahead of us before an insulin pill or a GLP-1 pill becomes a reality,” said Peter Kurtzhals, senior vice president and head of diabetes research at Novo Nordisk. “But with the progress we have made so far I am convinced it is only a matter of time.”
Michael V. Novinski, president and chief executive officer, Emisphere Technologies, said, “This milestone reflects a major achievement for our program and partnership with Novo Nordisk and is one small but significant step forward in the development of a successful treatment for Type 2 Diabetes. As a company, we are extremely encouraged by the progress to date and look forward to the future and the potential benefits this program may bring to the millions of patients being treated for this disease.”
In June 2008, the two companies entered into a development and license agreement to develop and commercialize oral formulations of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 analogues using Emisphere’s Eligen Technology. This is the first development milestone achieved under this agreement.