Madrigal secures global license for oral GLP-1 drug to combine with Rezdiffra

Published 30/07/2025, 10:06
Madrigal secures global license for oral GLP-1 drug to combine with Rezdiffra

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL), a $6.5 billion market cap company with strong financial health indicators according to InvestingPro, announced Wednesday it has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited (HKEX:1093) for SYH2086, a preclinical oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Under the agreement, Madrigal will pay CSPC an upfront payment of $120 million and up to $2 billion in potential milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory clearance. With a robust current ratio of 5.91, Madrigal appears well-positioned to handle the upfront payment commitment.

Madrigal plans to initiate clinical development of SYH2086 in the first half of 2026, with the aim of creating a combination therapy with its FDA-approved MASH treatment Rezdiffra (resmetirom).

"This agreement aligns perfectly with our long-term goal to extend our leadership in MASH by building a pipeline anchored by Rezdiffra," said Bill Sibold, Chief Executive Officer of Madrigal. "We believe a combination of Rezdiffra and SYH2086 has the potential to deliver a best-in-class oral treatment for patients with MASH."

The company’s strategy focuses on combining Rezdiffra’s fibrosis and lipid reduction benefits with the weight loss effects of GLP-1 therapy in a once-daily pill format. According to Madrigal’s Chief Medical Officer David Soergel, data from the Phase 3 MAESTRO-NASH trial showed that even modest weight loss enhanced Rezdiffra’s antifibrotic benefits.

SYH2086 has demonstrated glucose-lowering and weight-loss effects in preclinical studies with no significant safety concerns reported, according to the press release statement.

CSPC will retain rights to develop and commercialize other oral GLP-1 agonists in China under certain conditions. Ahead of Madrigal’s upcoming earnings report on August 5, InvestingPro analysis reveals analyst price targets ranging from $248 to $541, reflecting diverse market expectations for this development-stage pharmaceutical company. Get deeper insights with InvestingPro’s comprehensive research report, available along with 10+ additional ProTips for MDGL.

In other recent news, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals has secured a $500 million credit facility with Blue Owl Capital. This financing includes a $350 million initial term loan and a $150 million delayed draw term loan facility available through December 2027. Madrigal has also received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its MASH treatment, Rezdiffra, extending patent protection through September 30, 2044. The patent covers the FDA-approved use of Rezdiffra, which is the first FDA-approved treatment for noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. Oppenheimer has raised its price target for Madrigal Pharmaceuticals to $500.00, maintaining an Outperform rating, following the patent news. Additionally, Citizens JMP has reiterated its Market Outperform rating on Madrigal, highlighting the increased prescription rate of Rezdiffra. Approximately 60% of patients are on paid medication, with high persistence rates noted. These developments reflect Madrigal’s ongoing efforts to advance its MASH pipeline and strengthen its market position.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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