Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based pharmaceutical company, has agreed to acquire Corvidia Therapeutics for $2.1 billion, including an upfront payment of $725 million.
An antibody currently being developed by Corvidia, ziltivekimab, is at the center of the big acquisition. Ziltivekimab is designed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
“We believe that ziltivekimab has the potential to become a first- and best-in-class treatment to lower the burden of cardiovascular disease in a patient population that is at high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events,” Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement.
“This acquisition recognizes the important scientific work Corvidia has been doing over the last five years in cardio-renal diseases with a focus on inflammation,” added Marc de Garidel, chief executive officer of Corvidia Therapeutics. “In Novo Nordisk, we have found a partner that has deep expertise in cardiometabolic disease, a proven track record of success in conducting cardiovascular outcomes trials, and the infrastructure to accelerate the development of ziltivekimab in order to help patients who need it most.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.