Novozymes Biopharma has concluded an exclusive supply agreement with ConjuChem LLC of Los Angeles, CA. Novozymes will supply its recombinant human albumin, Recombumin, for use in the development of a new GLP-1 analog in Phase II trials for Type 2 diabetes. The use of Recombumin has the potential to significantly reduce dosing frequency, allowing patients to self-inject once per week instead of once or twice daily.

“This supply agreement is a great example of using Novozymes’ Recombumin as a vehicle for extending the half-life of peptides in drug delivery applications,” said Thomas Videbæk, executive vice president of Novozymes’ BioBusiness. “Also the agreement for this new drug will potentially pave the way for the use of Recombumin in other peptide-based therapies.”

Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., chief executive officer at ConjuChem, said, “This exclusive agreement is an excellent partnership for Conjuchem. The Recombumin technology, and the strong commitment from Novozymes, will be key as we develop next generation treatment for a disease affecting more than 360 million people worldwide.”