Viking Signs Broad Licensing Deal with Ligand Pharmaceuticals for Rights to Five Novel Therapeutic Programmes

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, first-in-class or best-in-class therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders, has obtained an exclusive worldwide licence to five novel therapeutic programmes from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

The licence includes programmes targeting type 2 diabetes (Phase IIb) and cancer cachexia (Phase II) that Viking is currently preparing to advance into mid- to-late stage clinical trials. Viking is solely responsible for all development activities under the licence. Ligand has also agreed to invest $2.5 million in Viking to fund operating expenses. 

The programmes covered in the licence agreement include Ligand's FBPase inhibitor program for type 2 diabetes, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) program for muscle wasting, a Thyroid Hormone Receptor-ß (TRß) Agonist program for dyslipidemia, an Erythropoietin Receptor (EPOR) Agonist program for anemia, and an Enterocyte-Directed Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase-1 (DGAT-1) Inhibitor programme for dyslipidemia. 

“Along with our partners at Ligand, we have created through this licence an excellent vehicle to develop several promising new therapies for patients, while unlocking potential value for stakeholders,” said Brian Lian, President and CEO of Viking Therapeutics. “Each of the licensed programmes has what we believe to be first-in-class or best-in-class characteristics and a differentiated therapeutic profile. Importantly, the portfolio fits well within Viking’s focus, as our team has an extensive history in diabetes and endocrine drug development, including two recent drug approvals. At all levels, from preclinical through pharmaceutical development, and including our chief medical officer, we have well-aligned development expertise to bring these programs forward.” 

"Ligand has been exploring opportunities to increase the investment in certain of our research programmes to advance them to major inflection points. This is a creative transaction that establishes a bold portfolio of early- and mid-stage assets that have the potential to generate substantial news flow during the next 12–24 months and to be the basis for important new drugs in major therapeutic categories," said John Higgins, President and CEO of Ligand.