Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk A/S has confirmed its plan to acquire Montreal-based Inversago Pharma. The potential cash deal, reaching up to $1.075 billion, hinges on achieving specific development and commercial milestones. Inversago Pharma, a trailblazer in CB1 receptor-based treatments, focuses on addressing obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders.

Inversago Pharma’s INV-202: The Next Big Thing in Metabolic Disorder Treatment?

The crux of this acquisition revolves around INV-202, Inversago Pharma’s lead development asset. INV-202 is an oral CB1 inverse agonist geared towards selectively inhibiting the CB1 receptor protein. CB1 holds sway over metabolism and appetite regulation, primarily influencing organs like the liver, pancreas, lungs, and more. Following promising weight loss results in its phase 1b trial, INV-202 now navigates through a phase 2 trial for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Further, Novo Nordisk is eager to probe INV-202’s potential for combating obesity and its complications.

Merging Expertise: Novo Nordisk and Inversago’s United Front

Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk’s Executive Vice President for Development, underscored the acquisition’s significance, noting it would “strengthen our clinical development pipeline in obesity and related disorders.” He emphasized the potential of the emerging class of medicine Inversago offers, spotlighting its capacity to transform treatment options, especially for obesity patients.

For Inversago Pharma, the collaboration resonates with optimism. The company’s CEO, François Ravenelle, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the potential of CB1 blockers. With Novo Nordisk’s unparalleled research capabilities and global influence, he sees a bright future in expanding treatment options for those grappling with metabolic syndrome and related issues.

The Way Forward: Regulatory Approvals and Collaborative Efforts

Inversago Pharma currently employs a 22-member team, whose primary focus remains on successfully concluding ongoing and prospective trials. Alongside, they will liaise with Novo Nordisk to further Inversago Pharma’s technological advancements in subsequent clinical trials. The culmination of the acquisition awaits necessary regulatory approvals and is projected to materialize by the end of 2023.

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