A new biotechnology startup backed by $400 million in investor funding has emerged to challenge the competitive weight loss drug market. The company, temporarily named Hercules CM NewCo, has secured rights to three promising drug candidates from Chinese pharmaceutical giant Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals through a significant licensing deal.
The investment consortium includes prominent life science investors, with Bain Capital Life Sciences leading the round with a $225 million investment for a 39% stake. RTW Investments contributed $110 million for a 19% share, while Atlas Venture and Lyra Capital invested $50 million and $15 million, respectively.
Strategic Licensing Agreement Details
The licensing agreement includes $110 million in upfront and near-term payments to Hengrui, along with approximately 20% equity in the new venture. The deal structure includes potential milestone payments of up to $200 million tied to clinical and regulatory achievements, with additional payments of up to $5.7 billion linked to sales performance.
Pipeline and Development Programs
The company's lead candidate, HRS-7535, is an oral incretin currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drug works by stimulating GLP-1, the same mechanism of action as Novo Nordisk's successful Wegovy injection.
A second candidate, HRS-9531, targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, similar to Eli Lilly's Zepbound. This dual-action therapy is being developed in two formulations - a weekly injection and a tablet - and is currently in multiple mid-stage studies for diabetes and obesity. The third asset, HRS-4729, remains in preclinical development.
Market Context and Competition
Hercules enters a highly competitive but lucrative market for weight loss medications. While Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly currently dominate the space, numerous pharmaceutical companies are developing potential competitors. Major players including Amgen, Roche, and Boehringer Ingelheim have advanced programs in clinical testing, while biotechnology companies like Viking and Structure Therapeutics are also pursuing similar therapies.
Investment Implications
The substantial investment in Hercules reflects growing confidence in the market potential for obesity and diabetes treatments. The deal structure also highlights a successful pattern of collaboration between Western investors and Chinese pharmaceutical innovation, following Hengrui's recent success with Aiolos Bio, which was acquired by GSK for $1 billion in January.
