Corxel Pharmaceuticals has acquired global rights, excluding Greater China, to CX11, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, from Vincentage Pharma. This strategic move positions Corxel in the competitive landscape of oral GLP-1 drugs aimed at treating obesity and diabetes.
Acquisition Details and Clinical Progress
The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. CX11, previously known as VCT220, has already undergone a Phase 2 clinical trial in China, demonstrating promising weight loss efficacy and a favorable safety profile. A pivotal Phase 3 trial is currently underway in China. Corxel is planning a Phase 2 clinical trial, slated to begin in 2025, to evaluate CX11 in obese or overweight patients outside of China.
Mechanism of Action and Market Context
CX11 targets the GLP-1 receptor, the same receptor targeted by injectable drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound. These existing drugs are peptides that mimic hormones to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. Corxel's CX11, as an oral small molecule, offers a potentially more convenient administration route compared to injectables.
The Growing Field of Oral GLP-1 Agonists
Several companies are actively developing oral small molecule GLP-1 drugs, including Roche, Structure Therapeutics, Viking Therapeutics, and Terns Pharma. AstraZeneca made a significant move last year, paying $185 million upfront for ex-China rights to an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist from Eccogene, highlighting the intense interest in this therapeutic area.
Corxel's Perspective
Sandy Mou, board executive director and CEO of Corxel, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, stating, "Obesity has become a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, and also including cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. This acquisition marks Corxel’s expansion of its cardiometabolic pipeline into obesity and diabetes, and we are excited about the potential of CX11, which has shown impressive efficacy in weight reduction, making it a potential best-in-class oral small molecule GLP-1 [receptor agonist]."
Corxel's Broader Pipeline
In addition to CX11, Corxel's pipeline includes JX10, a drug for acute ischemic stroke licensed from Biogen, and JX09, a hypertension drug acquired from PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals. Recently, Corxel sold its rights to aficamten, a Cytokinetics drug for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, to Sanofi.
