# Roche licenses Rona Therapeutics' experimental RNAi obesity drug targeting ALK7 for $100M upfront

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/roche-licenses-rona-therapeutics-experimental-rnai-obesity-drug-c19746ed
Date: 13 Oct 2026
About: [Roche](https://technooptimist.io/companies/roche.md)
Original source: https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/roche-rona-china-deal-rnai-obesity-drug-alk7/832845/

Roche has taken full ownership of an experimental RNA interference drug from China-based Rona Therapeutics, paying $100 million upfront. The drug silences ALK7, a receptor that is common in fat tissue and regulates fat metabolism, with the aim of reducing visceral fat. Total potential value is just over $1 billion.

## Key facts

- Rona is also eligible for sales royalties on the drug.
- The $1 billion total depends on development, regulatory and commercial goals; the article gives no split between them.
- The drug is not named and its clinical phase is not stated.
- Alnylam and Arrowhead have already taken other ALK7-related drugs into Phase 1 testing, according to the article.

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