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China Drug Giant Sells Weight Drug for $2.6B
29 Sep
Summary
- Hengrui Pharmaceuticals licensed its weight drug to Novo Nordisk.
- The deal is valued at up to $2.6 billion.
- Novo Nordisk paid an upfront fee of $300 million.

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals has entered into a major licensing agreement with Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk A/S. The deal concerns Hengrui's weight-management drug, HRS-1596, and is valued at a potential $2.6 billion. Novo Nordisk will secure exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the drug, excluding certain designated regions.
The agreement includes an immediate upfront payment of $300 million from Novo Nordisk to Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. This strategic partnership positions Novo Nordisk to expand its portfolio in the rapidly growing weight-management sector, leveraging Hengrui's innovative drug candidate.
This collaboration signifies a key development for Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, enhancing its market presence and financial outlook. The deal was announced on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to the article's temporal anchor.