Novo Nordisk, Aspect Biosystems announce bioprinted tissue partnership

Aspect Biosystems and Novo Nordisk A/S announced a collaboration, development, and license agreement to develop bioprinted tissue therapeutics designed to replace, repair, or supplement biological functions inside the body with the aim of delivering a new class of truly disease-modifying treatments for diabetes and obesity. "The collaboration will leverage Aspect’s proprietary bioprinting technology and Novo Nordisk’s expertise and technology in stem cell differentiation and cell therapy development and manufacturing," the companies stated. Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk will receive an exclusive, worldwide license to use Aspect’s bioprinting technology to develop up to four products for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. Aspect will receive initial payments of $75M, including an upfront payment, research funding and an investment in the form of a convertible note. Aspect is also eligible to receive up to $650M in future development, regulatory, commercial and sales milestone payments per product, as well as tiered royalties on future product sales.