Aspect Biosystems, Novo Nordisk Enter Diabetes and Obesity Therapeutics Alliance

Aspect Biosystems and Novo Nordisk entered a collaboration and license agreement to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics designed to replace, repair, or supplement biological functions in the body with the aim of delivering a new class of disease-modifying treatments for diabetes and obesity.
 
The collaboration will leverage Aspect’s proprietary bioprinting technology and Novo Nordisk’s expertise and technology in stem cell differentiation and cell therapy development and manufacturing. The companies will initially focus on developing bioprinted tissue therapeutics designed to maintain normal blood glucose levels without the need for immunosuppression, for the potential treatment of type 1 diabetes. 
 
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will receive an exclusive, worldwide license to use Aspect’s bioprinting technology to develop up to four products for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. Aspect will receive initial payments of $75 million, including an upfront payment, research funding and an investment in the form of a convertible note. Aspect is also eligible to receive up to $650 million in future development, regulatory, commercial and sales milestones per product, and royalties on future product sales.
 
“We are thrilled to partner with Novo Nordisk, a global leader and pioneer in the fight against diabetes and chronic diseases, to create breakthrough therapeutics that could transform the lives of millions of people around the world,” said Tamer Mohamed, chief executive officer, Aspect Biosystems. “This partnership leverages Aspect’s full-stack tissue therapeutic platform, talented team and bold vision, and reinforces our strategy to create bioprinted tissue therapeutics through partnerships with global industry leaders while also advancing our internal therapeutic pipeline.”
 
“Novo Nordisk has built strong capabilities when it comes to producing functional and highly pure therapeutic replacement cells at the highest quality and at scale,” said Jacob Sten Petersen, corporate vice president of Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk. “Collaborating with Aspect Biosystems adds an important component to our strategy to develop comprehensive cell therapy products. We are excited to co-develop solutions for cell therapy delivery that could lead to life-changing treatments for those living with a serious chronic disease.”