On August 10, 2023, Novo Nordisk A/S agreed to acquire Inversago Pharma for up to C$1.45 billion (US$1.075 billion), contingent on achieving certain development and commercial milestones. Inversago, a Montreal-based private company, specializes in CB1 receptor-based therapies, targeting obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorder complications.

The deal's centerpiece is INV-202, an oral CB1 inverse agonist developed by Inversago. This drug targets the CB1 receptor protein, crucial in metabolism and appetite regulation, and is found in various peripheral tissues. INV-202 showed promise in a phase 1b trial for weight loss and is undergoing a phase 2 trial for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Inversago's pipeline also includes treatments for metabolic and fibrotic disorders.

Martin Holst Lange, Novo Nordisk's executive vice president for Development, emphasized the acquisition's role in strengthening their clinical pipeline, particularly in obesity-related treatments. He highlighted INV-202's potential in offering new solutions for chronic diseases, especially obesity.

François Ravenelle, CEO of Inversago, expressed enthusiasm for joining a leader in the obesity and metabolic disorder field. He anticipates that Novo Nordisk's resources and global reach will advance the development of their CB1 blockers.

The acquisition, pending regulatory approval and customary conditions, is expected to close by the end of 2023. Inversago's 22 employees will continue their work on ongoing and planned trials, collaborating closely with Novo Nordisk to advance clinical developments.