#USA #Viking Therapeutics #Basel #CordenPharma #GLP-1 Peptides

A Strategic Partnership for GLP-1 Therapies

In a significant move in the pharmaceutical industry, CordenPharma, a prominent Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has announced its long-term partnership with Viking Therapeutics, Inc. This collaboration aims to meet the growing commercial demand for the GLP-1 drug candidate VK2735, an innovative therapy that targets metabolic and hormonal disorders. The agreement surfaced on March 11, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for both companies.

Integrated Supply Solutions

Under this extensive multi-year agreement, CordenPharma will provide essential development and manufacturing services to support Viking Therapeutics' VK2735. Specifically, this partnership covers the entire supply chain—from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to the final product—focusing on both subcutaneous injectables and oral peptide formulations. CordenPharma's capabilities include large-scale peptide production and the filling of sterile injectables, which are critical for VK2735’s success in the market.

Dr. Michael Quirmbach, the President and CEO of CordenPharma Group, expressed pride in the collaboration, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the clinical and commercial success of VK2735. He stated, “We are thrilled to support Viking Therapeutics with a robust end-to-end solution for their complex modalities, from peptide drug substance to the final medication.” This underscores CordenPharma’s extensive expertise in handling complex drug development and production processes.

Leveraging Global Capabilities

What sets CordenPharma apart is its global network of advanced manufacturing facilities. This extensive infrastructure not only ensures reliable production but also allows for continuous supply chain management across product life cycles. Their ability to provide built-in redundancy with multiple manufacturing sites enhances the security and consistency of the supply chain, crucial for maintaining the integrity of therapeutics like VK2735.

The partnership intends to cater to the surging demand for GLP-1 peptide therapeutics, which are recognized for their significant impact on obesity and diabetes treatment. CordenPharma's solid timeline of successful project completions and proven track record in peptide synthesis positions them well to handle the intricacies associated with VK2735.

CordenPharma's Commitment to Innovation

CordenPharma continues to excel as a key player in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. By utilizing its integrated network from early clinical development to market launch, the organization is committed to enhancing the lifecycle management of drug development.

The company has reported substantial revenues, with a total of €854 million earned in the fiscal year 2024 and a workforce comprising over 3,000 dedicated employees. Following its acquisition by Astorg in 2022, CordenPharma is on an upward trajectory, fostering innovation in the CDMO peptide sector to address complex medical needs.

As CordenPharma looks to the future, collaborations such as the one with Viking Therapeutics will be crucial in driving progress in peptide-based therapies and overcoming the hurdles presented by metabolic and hormonal disorders.

For more information about CordenPharma and its services, visit cordenpharma.com or follow them on LinkedIn.