Janssen and Hanmi to develop diabetes and obesity therapy

Janssen has announced a drug development collaboration with Hanmi Pharmaceutical, focusing on the creation of a new treatment for diabetes and oncology.

The company has obtained worldwide rights, excluding China and Korea, to develop and commercialise oxyntomodulin-based therapies, including HM12525A, a biologic that is completing phase I and expected to enter phase II studies next year.

This oxyntomodulin-based therapy has shown evidence of improving multiple metabolic parameters that lead to improved blood glucose, body weight and insulin sensitivity. This asset has the potential to be a best-in-class once-weekly oxyntomodulin-based therapy.

It is expected that this deal will build on the company's success in diabetes and strengthen its metabolism portfolio.

Dr James List, global therapeutic area head for cardiovascular and metabolism at Janssen, said: "We are very excited about this agreement with Hanmi and the potential of HM12525A to improve therapeutic options for people living with metabolic diseases."

This comes after the firm recently announced a worldwide license agreement with Alligator Bioscience for an innovative immuno-oncology agent.