Lexicon and Novo Nordisk Initiate Phase 1 Study of LX9851
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy LXRX?
Lexicon (LXRX) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) announced that Novo Nordisk has initiated a Phase 1 study with LX9851, an oral non-incretin development candidate. In March 2025, Lexicon signed an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk for LX9851 in obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained an exclusive, worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize LX9851 in all indications. Lexicon has earned a second $10M milestone payment in 2026 from Novo Nordisk following initial dosing requirements in the Phase 1 study and is eligible for a third $10M milestone payment that may be achieved later this year. In total, Lexicon is eligible to receive up to $1B in upfront and potential development, regulatory and sales milestone payments. Lexicon is also entitled to tiered royalties on net sales of LX9851.
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Analyst Views on LXRX
Wall Street analysts forecast LXRX stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 1.560
Low
2.10
Averages
4.03
High
6.00
Current: 1.560
Low
2.10
Averages
4.03
High
6.00
About LXRX
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the research and development of pilavapadin, LX9851 and sotagliflozin and the commercialization of INPEFA. It is developing pilavapadin (LX9211), an orally delivered small molecule drug candidate, as a treatment for neuropathic pain. It has completed three Phase II clinical trials evaluating the safety and tolerability of pilavapadin and its effects on diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and neuropathic pain. It is developing LX9851, an orally delivered small molecule drug candidate, as a treatment for obesity and associated cardiometabolic disorders and is conducting preclinical development of LX9851 in preparation for filing an investigational new drug application. It is commercializing INPEFA (sotagliflozin), an orally delivered small molecule drug, in the United States to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with heart failure or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Novo Nordisk Advances Next-Gen Obesity Treatments with LX9851 Trial
- Clinical Trial Initiation: Novo Nordisk has announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study for LX9851, an oral non-incretin drug candidate from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals aimed at treating obesity and related metabolic disorders, marking a significant advancement in the company's obesity treatment efforts.
- Milestone Payment Triggered: The start of this trial triggers a second $10 million milestone payment to Lexicon under their licensing agreement signed in March 2025, granting Novo Nordisk exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the drug, with Lexicon eligible for up to $1 billion in total milestone payments and royalties on future sales.
- Trial Scale and Timeline: The Phase 1 study will evaluate safety and dosing in 96 overweight or obese participants, expected to be completed by early 2027, demonstrating Novo Nordisk's commitment and strategic planning in advancing its drug pipeline.
- Market Reaction and Outlook: While NVO shares fell 1.5%, LXRX's stock rose about 1% in pre-market trading, reflecting market optimism regarding the new drug development and enhancing Novo Nordisk's competitive position in the obesity treatment market.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk Launch Phase 1 Study for Oral Obesity Drug Candidate LX9851
Announcement of Phase 1 Study: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Novartis have announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study for the oral obesity drug candidate, LX9851.
Focus on Obesity Treatment: The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LX9851 as a potential treatment for obesity, highlighting the ongoing efforts in developing innovative therapies in this area.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Q4 2025 Earnings Call Insights
- Core Program Progress: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is advancing three late-stage programs in cardiometabolic disease and chronic pain, with significant progress in the development of sotagliflozin for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, expected to submit an NDA in 2026, indicating a strategic focus on critical therapeutic areas.
- Financial Position Improvement: Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $5.5 million, with full-year revenues reaching $49.8 million, showing significant improvement from 2024, while net loss decreased from $33.8 million in 2024 to $15.5 million, reflecting successful cost control and operational efficiency.
- R&D Expense Optimization: R&D expenses for Q4 dropped to $11.3 million, halving compared to 2024, indicating Lexicon's more efficient resource allocation and continued focus on advancing core programs in the future.
- Future Outlook: Management expects operating expenses in 2026 to range between $100 million and $110 million, with R&D expenses projected at $63 million to $68 million, demonstrating confidence in future growth while emphasizing the smooth progress of the SONATA-HCM trial and plans for NDA resubmission for Zynquista.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Earnings Highlights: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of -$0.04, beating expectations by $0.03, indicating potential improvements in profitability despite ongoing challenges.
- Revenue Performance: The company generated $5.49 million in revenue, a 79.3% year-over-year decline, yet it exceeded expectations by $2.35 million, suggesting some resilience in market demand amid adversity.
- Liquidity Position: As of December 31, 2025, Lexicon's total cash, investments, and restricted cash amounted to $125.2 million, down from $238.0 million in the same period of 2024, highlighting pressures on the company's financial management.
- Market Reaction: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals showcased FDA feedback on Pilavapadin at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, and despite facing challenges, the market remains cautiously optimistic about its future prospects.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to Announce Q4 Earnings on March 5
- Earnings Announcement: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is set to release its Q4 earnings on March 5 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of -$0.07, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability.
- Revenue Decline: The anticipated revenue of $3.14 million for Q4 represents an 88.2% year-over-year decline, highlighting significant pressures in market competition and product sales that could impact future liquidity.
- Positive FDA Feedback: Despite financial hurdles, Lexicon's Pilavapadin drug has received FDA feedback allowing it to proceed, providing potential growth opportunities for the company's product pipeline and possibly improving its market outlook.
- Active Insider Trading: Lexicon's stock recently spiked following insider buying, reflecting management's confidence in the company's future, which may attract more investor interest in its stock performance.
See More
Chronic Kidney Disease Market Growth Drivers
- Market Size Growth: According to analysis, the chronic kidney disease (CKD) market size was approximately $4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow further by 2034, reflecting increased demand for new therapies and an expanding patient base.
- Rising Patient Numbers: In 2024, there were about 82 million prevalent cases of CKD across the 7 major markets (7MM), with projections indicating continued growth from 2025 to 2034, primarily driven by an aging population and the rising prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.
- Launch of New Therapies: The introduction of emerging therapies such as AstraZeneca's Zibotentan/Dapagliflozin and Boehringer Ingelheim's Vicadrostat + Empagliflozin is expected to significantly boost market growth and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
- Advancements in Biomarkers: Progress in biomarkers like KIM-1 and NGAL enables more precise early detection of CKD, thereby enhancing the potential for timely interventions and improving overall patient prognosis.
See More
Novo Nordisk Advances Next-Gen Obesity Treatments with LX9851 Trial
- Clinical Trial Initiation: Novo Nordisk has announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study for LX9851, an oral non-incretin drug candidate from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals aimed at treating obesity and related metabolic disorders, marking a significant advancement in the company's obesity treatment efforts.
- Milestone Payment Triggered: The start of this trial triggers a second $10 million milestone payment to Lexicon under their licensing agreement signed in March 2025, granting Novo Nordisk exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the drug, with Lexicon eligible for up to $1 billion in total milestone payments and royalties on future sales.
- Trial Scale and Timeline: The Phase 1 study will evaluate safety and dosing in 96 overweight or obese participants, expected to be completed by early 2027, demonstrating Novo Nordisk's commitment and strategic planning in advancing its drug pipeline.
- Market Reaction and Outlook: While NVO shares fell 1.5%, LXRX's stock rose about 1% in pre-market trading, reflecting market optimism regarding the new drug development and enhancing Novo Nordisk's competitive position in the obesity treatment market.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Novo Nordisk Launch Phase 1 Study for Oral Obesity Drug Candidate LX9851
Announcement of Phase 1 Study: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Novartis have announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study for the oral obesity drug candidate, LX9851.
Focus on Obesity Treatment: The study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LX9851 as a potential treatment for obesity, highlighting the ongoing efforts in developing innovative therapies in this area.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Q4 2025 Earnings Call Insights
- Core Program Progress: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is advancing three late-stage programs in cardiometabolic disease and chronic pain, with significant progress in the development of sotagliflozin for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, expected to submit an NDA in 2026, indicating a strategic focus on critical therapeutic areas.
- Financial Position Improvement: Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $5.5 million, with full-year revenues reaching $49.8 million, showing significant improvement from 2024, while net loss decreased from $33.8 million in 2024 to $15.5 million, reflecting successful cost control and operational efficiency.
- R&D Expense Optimization: R&D expenses for Q4 dropped to $11.3 million, halving compared to 2024, indicating Lexicon's more efficient resource allocation and continued focus on advancing core programs in the future.
- Future Outlook: Management expects operating expenses in 2026 to range between $100 million and $110 million, with R&D expenses projected at $63 million to $68 million, demonstrating confidence in future growth while emphasizing the smooth progress of the SONATA-HCM trial and plans for NDA resubmission for Zynquista.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
- Earnings Highlights: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of -$0.04, beating expectations by $0.03, indicating potential improvements in profitability despite ongoing challenges.
- Revenue Performance: The company generated $5.49 million in revenue, a 79.3% year-over-year decline, yet it exceeded expectations by $2.35 million, suggesting some resilience in market demand amid adversity.
- Liquidity Position: As of December 31, 2025, Lexicon's total cash, investments, and restricted cash amounted to $125.2 million, down from $238.0 million in the same period of 2024, highlighting pressures on the company's financial management.
- Market Reaction: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals showcased FDA feedback on Pilavapadin at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, and despite facing challenges, the market remains cautiously optimistic about its future prospects.
See More
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to Announce Q4 Earnings on March 5
- Earnings Announcement: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is set to release its Q4 earnings on March 5 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of -$0.07, indicating ongoing challenges in profitability.
- Revenue Decline: The anticipated revenue of $3.14 million for Q4 represents an 88.2% year-over-year decline, highlighting significant pressures in market competition and product sales that could impact future liquidity.
- Positive FDA Feedback: Despite financial hurdles, Lexicon's Pilavapadin drug has received FDA feedback allowing it to proceed, providing potential growth opportunities for the company's product pipeline and possibly improving its market outlook.
- Active Insider Trading: Lexicon's stock recently spiked following insider buying, reflecting management's confidence in the company's future, which may attract more investor interest in its stock performance.
See More
Chronic Kidney Disease Market Growth Drivers
- Market Size Growth: According to analysis, the chronic kidney disease (CKD) market size was approximately $4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow further by 2034, reflecting increased demand for new therapies and an expanding patient base.
- Rising Patient Numbers: In 2024, there were about 82 million prevalent cases of CKD across the 7 major markets (7MM), with projections indicating continued growth from 2025 to 2034, primarily driven by an aging population and the rising prevalence of diabetes and hypertension.
- Launch of New Therapies: The introduction of emerging therapies such as AstraZeneca's Zibotentan/Dapagliflozin and Boehringer Ingelheim's Vicadrostat + Empagliflozin is expected to significantly boost market growth and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
- Advancements in Biomarkers: Progress in biomarkers like KIM-1 and NGAL enables more precise early detection of CKD, thereby enhancing the potential for timely interventions and improving overall patient prognosis.
See More
