Lexicon Pharmaceuticals released preclinical data on December 10, 2025 that confirms Acyl‑CoA Synthetase 5 (ACSL5) as a viable target for obesity treatment. The study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, demonstrates that mice lacking ACSL5 or treated with oral ACSL5 inhibitors exhibit markedly reduced body fat, lower triglycerides, and preserved lean mass, underscoring the drug’s therapeutic potential.
The research shows that ACSL5 inhibition activates the ileal brake—a gut‑based mechanism that slows gastric emptying and reduces food intake—providing a non‑incretin, oral alternative to current injectable GLP‑1 therapies. By targeting a distinct pathway, LX9851 could complement existing GLP‑1 agents and help sustain weight loss or prevent weight regain, addressing a key unmet need in the obesity market.
Lexicon’s partnership with Novo Nordisk, established in March 2025, gives the company an exclusive worldwide license for LX9851. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will lead development, manufacturing, and commercialization, while Lexicon is eligible for up to $1 billion in milestone payments and royalties. The partnership not only supplies significant financial backing but also aligns Lexicon with a global leader in diabetes and obesity therapeutics, enhancing the drug’s market prospects.
In Q3 2025, Lexicon reported revenue of $14.2 million, driven almost entirely by $13.2 million in licensing revenue from Novo Nordisk. The company’s net loss narrowed to $12.8 million ($0.04 per share), beating analyst expectations of a $0.07 loss. Cash and investments stood at $145 million as of September 30, 2025, providing a solid runway for continued R&D and potential clinical milestones.
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Craig Granowitz highlighted that the preclinical findings validate Lexicon’s strategy of targeting ACSL5 and support the clinical advancement of LX9851. He noted that the drug’s oral, non‑incretin mechanism could enhance the efficacy of existing GLP‑1 therapies, positioning Lexicon to capture a share of the rapidly expanding obesity treatment landscape.
Analysts have responded positively to the data release, citing the robust preclinical evidence and the strategic partnership with Novo Nordisk as key drivers of Lexicon’s growth potential. The company’s strong Q3 results and the momentum in its licensing revenue reinforce confidence in its pipeline and financial trajectory.
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