NGM Biopharmaceuticals has signed a worldwide agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals to discover and develop therapeutics for the potential treatment of Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The two companies will jointly research selected protein factors discovered by NGM using its diabetes discovery platform, with the goal of advancing drug candidates that mimic the potential glucoregulatory effects of bariatric surgery on diabetes patients.

           Janssen has an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize compounds resulting from the collaboration. NGM will receive an upfront payment and research support, and is eligible to receive payments for certain research, development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on product sales.

           "NGM's commitment to drug discovery has resulted in a deep pipeline of novel targets that have a potentially profound effect on metabolic diseases," said Jin-Long Chen, Ph.D., founder, president and chief scientific officer of NGM. "We are pleased to be working with Janssen, who will bring world-class drug discovery and development expertise to the advancement of NGM's first-in-class therapies for the treatment of patients with diabetes."