Emisphere Technologies, Inc. highlighted that Eligen licensee Novo Nordisk A/S will initiate a global phase 3a development program with oral semaglutide, a once daily oral formulation of the long-acting GLP-1 analogue semaglutide, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Oral semaglutide is provided in a tablet formulation with an absorption-enhancing excipient, SNAC, which is one of Emisphere's Eligen Technology delivery agents, or 'carriers. Novo Nordisk announced its decision to initiate the PIONEER global phase 3a program consisting of seven trials and approximately 8,000 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Novo Nordisk's decision to initiate this global phase 3a program follows encouraging results from the proof of concept phase 2 program and consultations with regulatory authorities. Under its GLP-1 License Agreement, Novo Nordisk is working to develop and commercialize oral formulations of its proprietary GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with Emisphere carriers. Emisphere will be eligible to receive additional contingent product development and sales milestone payments and will also be entitled to receive royalties in the event Novo Nordisk commercializes products developed under such Agreement.

Novo Nordisk is responsible for product development and commercialization under the terms of the Agreement.