Generate will receive USD 30 million upfront and up to USD 35 million in early preclinical milestones. For the two initial programs, it is also eligible for total milestones of nearly USD 1.2 billion, including development, regulatory and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties on worldwide net sales. Zealand has an option to add a third program.

Generate will lead research up to lead-candidate selection using its platform, which combines generative AI with high-throughput experimental validation. Zealand will then take over clinical development, regulatory submissions and global commercialization. The deal broadens Zealand beyond its peptide focus.

“This collaboration expands our toolbox to include proteins, complementing our existing small-molecule and peptide capabilities,” says Utpal Singh, Chief Scientific Officer at Zealand Pharma.