WW International (NASDAQ:WW) on Thursday said its Weight Watchers platform is now available through Eli Lilly Co.'s (NYSE:LLY) LillyDirect digital health care platform, expanding access to branded GLP-1 weight-loss medications alongside clinical and behavioral support services.
• Eli Lilly stock is surging to new heights today. What’s driving LLY stock higher?
Weight Watchers Expands GLP-1 Access Through LillyDirect
The addition to LillyDirect aligns with Weight Watchers' strategy to broaden access to GLP-1 treatments through its Med+ program, which provides patient support before, during and after treatment.
LillyDirect connects patients with independent care options, pharmacy fulfillment resources, and educational content as demand for GLP-1 medications continues to increase.
Weight Watchers said its Med+ offering complements these services with a comprehensive care model designed to support long-term weight management.
Ascidian, Eli Lilly Partner On RNA-Based Kidney Disease Therapies
Ascidian Therapeutics on Wednesday entered a global research collaboration and licensing agreement with Eli Lilly to discover and develop therapies for undisclosed monogenic kidney diseases, marking a significant step in the application of RNA-based medicines for inherited kidney disorders.
The partnership will leverage Ascidian's RNA exon editing technology, which is designed to rewrite RNA by editing multiple whole exons at the kilobase scale.
Under the agreement, Lilly will receive exclusive, target-specific rights to use Ascidian's RNA exon editing platform for selected kidney disease targets.
Ascidian will lead discovery efforts and certain preclinical activities, while Lilly will oversee additional preclinical development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization.
Potential Deal Value Reaches $1.9 Billion
The biotechnology company is eligible to receive up to $1.9 billion through a combination of an upfront payment, development and commercial milestone payments, and tiered royalties on global product sales.
Ascidian will retain the ability to pursue other kidney disease targets independently or through additional partnerships.
Michael Ehlers, president and CEO of Ascidian Therapeutics, said RNA exon editing enables the company to rewrite genes at their source without altering DNA, potentially opening treatment pathways for diseases that have remained out of reach.
On Monday, Eli Lilly announced separate licensing and research agreements with South Korea-based Hanmi Pharm and China-based Haisco Pharmaceutical Group, expanding its access to new drug candidates and discovery programs.
LLY Stock Price Activity: Eli Lilly shares were up 5.13% at $1,134.08 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Image via Shutterstock
Login to comment