Novo Nordisk to acquire ocedurenone from KBP Biosciences for up to $1.3B

Novo Nordisk A/S and KBP Biosciences PTE., Ltd. announced that Novo Nordisk has agreed to acquire ocedurenone for uncontrolled hypertension with potential application in cardiovascular and kidney disease from KBP Biosciences for up to $1.3B U.S. dollars. Ocedurenone is an orally administered, small molecule, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that is currently being examined in the phase 3 trial CLARION-CKD in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and advanced chronic kidney disease, or CKD. The CLARION-CKD phase 3 trial has been initiated in the US, Europe and Asia with the first patient dosed at the end of 2021 and will continue as planned with a total of more than 600 patients expected to be randomised by more than 150 sites. Novo Nordisk expects to initiate phase 3 trials in additional cardiovascular and kidney disease indications in the coming years, aiming to maximize the full potential of ocedurenone. “We look forward to adding ocedurenone to our pipeline as it will complement our current development programmes in cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. This deal is closely aligned with our strategic focus on expanding from our core in diabetes into other serious chronic diseases, including through novel drug modalities, to help many more patients living with unmet medical needs,” said Camilla Sylvest, executive vice president, Commercial Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Novo Nordisk. The closing of the acquisition is subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and is expected to happen before the end of 2023. The transaction will not impact Novo Nordisk’s previously communicated operating profit outlook for 2023 or the ongoing share buy-back program. Novo Nordisk will fund the acquisition from financial reserves.