Swedish drug delivery platform company Nanexa has entered into a global exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Novo Nordisk (Novo) worth up to EUR 1.165 billion.
Under the agreement, Novo receives a global exclusive licence to use Nanexa’s proprietary PharmaShell atomic layer deposition (ALD)-based drug delivery platform for certain peptide-based drugs targeting obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic indications.
The licence covers up to five development programmes. The collaboration will focus on developing long-acting injectable formulations with different administration-frequency profiles, including monthly and quarterly dosing as target profiles.
Novo will lead the global development and commercialisation of products developed under the agreement.
Nanexa is eligible to receive total payments of up to EUR 1.165 billion, including EUR 615 million in upfront payment and development and regulatory milestones. The remaining milestone payments are linked to sales. The company will also be eligible for low single-digit royalties on global net sales of products developed under the agreement.
David Westberg, CEO of Nanexa, said the agreement, following the company’s 2025 licence and option agreement with Moderna, further strengthens external validation of the PharmaShell platform.
He added that the agreement provides a foundation for expanding PharmaShell into additional therapeutic areas while enabling Nanexa to selectively advance internal programmes towards clinical proof of concept.
Nanexa’s PharmaShell platform is designed to enable controlled and sustained release of active pharmaceutical ingredients through an ultra-thin inorganic coating applied to individual drug particles.
The collaboration aims to support the development of long-acting injectable medicines with the potential to reduce dosing frequency and improve the treatment experience for people living with chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Göran Ando, Chairman of Nanexa, said the agreement marks a new phase of financial strength for the company, enabling it to expand applications of its ALD technology into additional therapeutic areas and build a sustainable long-term business.
He added that the agreement would also allow Nanexa to advance new projects further in development before partnering, creating the potential for financially attractive future partnership deals.
“While expanding, our focus will also firmly be on creating a very successful partnership with Novo,” Ando added.
