Novo Nordisk, riding high on the success of its semaglutide sales, has taken a strategic leap by investing up to $1.3 billion in KBP Biosciences’ phase 3 contender, aimed at challenging Bayer’s chronic kidney disease (CKD) drug, Kerendia.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, recently raised its sales projections due to the remarkable demand for its diabetes and weight loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, which have emerged as significant growth drivers. Building on this momentum, Novo Nordisk has revealed its third recent deal, signaling the deployment of its growing cash reserves to acquire KBP’s non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (nsMRA).
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“We are delighted to pass the ocedurenone torch to Novo Nordisk, a global leader in management of chronic diseases. We believe this transition could unlock the full potential of ocedurenone and benefit more patients with cardiovascular and kidney disease worldwide.”
– Dr. Zhenhua Huang, founder and chairman of KBP Biosciences
“The transition is an exciting inflection point in the discovery, research and development work on ocedurenone carried out by KBP, a young player still establishing itself in the global pharmaceutical industry.”
– Dr. Fred Yang, chief development officer of KBP Biosciences
Bayer secured FDA approval for its nsMRA, Kerendia, in June 2021. Undeterred by trailing behind the German pharmaceutical company, KBP, based in Singapore, initiated a phase 3 study a few months after Bayer’s approval. This ambitious endeavor could pave the way for KBP’s rival nsMRA, ocedurenone, to establish a distinct position in the market. The late-phase trial focuses on evaluating ocedurenone’s impact on systolic blood pressure. While Bayer reported a reduction in blood pressure in patients who received Kerendia in their phase 3 trials, the FDA’s approval primarily centered around the drug’s effectiveness in reducing the risk of renal and heart problems in adults with CKD associated with Type 2 diabetes. KBP’s study aims to position ocedurenone as a treatment for uncontrolled hypertension in advanced CKD patients.
“Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular events, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and premature death. With its expected benefit-risk profile, ocedurenone has best-in-class potential in treating uncontrolled hypertension and could help address a major unmet medical need in people living with cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.”
– Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of Development at Novo Nordisk
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Novo Nordisk’s investment in this asset, amounting to $1.3 billion, reflects its commitment to explore these markets further. The true test, however, is likely at least a year away, with the primary completion of the hypertension trial slated for September 2024. Nevertheless, Novo Nordisk’s early confidence is evident in its plans for a comprehensive phase 3 program, suggesting a strong belief in the drug’s potential. This move underscores Novo Nordisk’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for those in need.
