Roche partners with Zealand Pharma to advance petrelintide in obesity treatment

Roche has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Zealand Pharma to develop and commercialise petrelintide obesity treatment, a promising amylin analog therapy designed to address the growing global obesity crisis. The deal, valued at up to $5.3 billion, strengthens Roche’s position in the metabolic disease sector, adding to its existing cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CVRM) portfolio.

Under the agreement, the two companies will co-develop and co-commercialise petrelintide, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with CT-388, Roche’s lead dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. Roche will oversee commercial manufacturing and supply, while Zealand Pharma retains a 50/50 profit-sharing model in the U.S. and Europe. Roche will hold exclusive commercialisation rights outside these regions.

The partnership signals Roche’s deepening commitment to innovative metabolic disease treatments, leveraging Zealand Pharma’s expertise in peptide-based therapies to introduce an alternative to existing GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs.

What Makes Petrelintide A Potential Breakthrough In Obesity Management?

Petrelintide, an investigational long-acting amylin analog therapy, is engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. Currently in Phase 2 clinical development, it has demonstrated the potential to facilitate sustainable weight loss while improving tolerability compared to existing obesity medications.

Scientific research highlights the role of amylin receptor activation in restoring leptin sensitivity, a key mechanism in regulating appetite and satiety. Unlike traditional weight-loss treatments that primarily focus on GLP-1 receptor activation, petrelintide targets a complementary pathway, which could offer enhanced metabolic benefits and greater long-term adherence.

The available preclinical and clinical data suggest that petrelintide could match or exceed the weight-loss efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists while reducing common side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. The potential to develop a fixed-dose combination with CT-388 further enhances its viability as a next-generation weight management solution.

Why Is Roche Combining Petrelintide With CT-388?

Roche’s CT-388, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, is currently being investigated for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Designed to optimise metabolic regulation, CT-388 aims to prolong pharmacological activity while minimising receptor desensitisation, a common limitation in some incretin-based therapies.

By combining petrelintide with CT-388, Roche and Zealand Pharma aim to develop a best-in-class obesity treatment, leveraging multiple hormone pathways to enhance weight loss and metabolic stability. If successful, this combination therapy could redefine the standard of care in weight management, particularly for patients who experience plateauing effects with GLP-1-based treatments.

How Does This Partnership Compare To Other Obesity Drug Deals?

The pharmaceutical industry has seen an unprecedented surge in investment toward obesity treatment following the commercial success of semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). With obesity projected to impact over 4 billion people by 2035, major drugmakers are racing to expand their presence in the $50 billion obesity drug market.

Roche’s deal with Zealand Pharma is reminiscent of other high-value collaborations, such as Eli Lilly’s acquisition of Versanis Bio to develop bimagrumab-based weight-loss treatments or Pfizer’s investment in small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists. However, Roche’s approach—focusing on amylin receptor activation rather than solely on GLP-1 mechanisms—positions it as a unique contender in the competitive landscape.

Given the intensifying competition, Roche’s strategy to develop a differentiated, combination-based obesity therapy could prove pivotal in securing market share and long-term commercial success.

What Are The Financial Terms Of The Zealand Pharma Partnership?

The collaboration agreement provides Zealand Pharma with an upfront cash payment of $1.65 billion, with $1.4 billion due at closing and an additional $250 million over the following two years. The total deal value could reach $5.3 billion, contingent upon milestone achievements. Zealand Pharma stands to receive $1.2 billion in development milestones tied to the initiation of Phase 3 trials for petrelintide monotherapy, alongside $2.4 billion in sales-based milestones dependent on commercial performance. The company will also earn double-digit royalties on net sales outside the U.S. and Europe.

Additionally, Zealand Pharma will pay Roche $350 million, offsettable against milestone payments, for the petrelintide/CT-388 fixed-dose combination and other next-generation formulations. The deal’s regulatory approvals remain pending, with the transaction expected to close in Q2 2025. If successful, the partnership could drive Zealand Pharma’s long-term revenue growth, reinforcing its position as a leader in metabolic disease therapeutics.

Why Is The Global Demand For New Obesity Treatments Growing?

Obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges, contributing to over 200 comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and chronic kidney disease. The economic burden of obesity-related illnesses is projected to exceed $4 trillion annually by 2035, underscoring the need for more effective therapeutic interventions.

Despite the success of GLP-1-based therapies, accessibility and long-term adherence remain key challenges. Many patients experience gastrointestinal side effects, cost barriers, and diminishing efficacy over time, prompting the demand for alternative weight-loss mechanisms like amylin analog therapy.

With an increasing emphasis on personalised obesity treatment, Roche and Zealand Pharma’s collaboration aims to introduce a differentiated, scalable, and patient-friendly solution to meet this growing demand.

How Will This Partnership Shape The Future Of Obesity Treatment?

Roche’s entry into the obesity drug market through its Zealand Pharma partnership signals a strategic move to diversify its CVRM portfolio. By integrating petrelintide with CT-388, Roche aims to establish a new treatment paradigm that addresses the limitations of current therapies while offering a sustainable, long-term weight-loss solution.

For Zealand Pharma, the deal marks a transformational milestone, positioning the company as a key player in metabolic disease management. With the obesity drug market projected to expand significantly over the next decade, Roche and Zealand Pharma’s collaboration could play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of medical innovation in obesity treatment.