Novo Nordisk acquires Ziylo in $800m deal to advance diabetes treatment

Novo Nordisk, a leading Danish pharmaceutical company, has completed a significant acquisition of Ziylo, a biotechnology spin-out from the University of Bristol, for a deal potentially worth over $800 million. This acquisition grants Novo Nordisk full rights to Ziylo’s innovative glucose binding molecules, crucial for the development of glucose responsive insulins.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition:

This move is part of Novo Nordisk’s strategic initiative to develop the next generation of insulin therapies that are safer and more effective. The focus is particularly on creating glucose responsive insulins that can potentially eliminate the risk of hypoglycemia—a common and dangerous side effect of current insulin treatments.

Technical Insights and Developmental Progress:

Ziylo, stationed at Unit DX science incubator in Bristol, has been at the forefront of developing a class of glucose binding molecules essential for medical devices and therapeutic measures, including glucose responsive insulins. These molecules are expected to play a critical role in achieving optimal glucose control for diabetes patients without the risk associated with current therapies.

Deal Structure and Future Collaboration:

The acquisition involved an upfront payment alongside earn-outs with contingent milestone payments, which cumulatively could exceed $800 million, dependent on achieving certain development, regulatory, and sales milestones. Following the acquisition, Ziylo’s research activities were spun out into a new company called Carbometrics, which will continue to collaborate with Novo Nordisk to optimize glucose binding molecules for diabetes treatment applications.

Expert Commentary:

Dr. Harry Destercroix, co-founder and CEO of Ziylo, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, “Novo Nordisk is the ideal company to maximize the potential of the Ziylo glucose binding molecules in glucose responsive insulins and diabetes applications, and it brings hope of a truly groundbreaking treatment to diabetes patients.”

Marcus Schindler, Senior Vice President of Global Drug Discovery at Novo Nordisk, added, “We believe the glucose binding molecules discovered by the Ziylo team, together with Novo Nordisk’s world-class insulin capabilities, have the potential to lead to the development of glucose responsive insulins which we hope can remove the risk of hypoglycemia and ensure optimal glucose control for people with diabetes.”

The acquisition of Ziylo by Novo Nordisk marks a significant advancement in the field of diabetes treatment. By integrating Ziylo’s groundbreaking glucose binding technology with its established insulin development capabilities, Novo Nordisk is set to transform diabetes care. This strategic acquisition underscores the importance of innovative biotechnological advancements in addressing complex health challenges like diabetes, potentially leading to therapies that enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy.