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6d ago

Novo Nordisk Partners with Septerna in $2.2 Billion Deal for Oral Obesity Therapies

The collaboration aims to develop four GPCR-targeted small-molecule treatments, diversifying Novo Nordisk’s portfolio amid rising competition from Eli Lilly.

A view of the logo of Novo Nordisk at the company's office in Bagsvaerd, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, March 8, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Little/File photo

Overview

  • Novo Nordisk has entered a $2.2 billion collaboration with U.S.-based Septerna to develop oral small-molecule therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic diseases.
  • The deal includes over $200 million in upfront and near-term payments to Septerna, with Novo Nordisk funding all research and development efforts.
  • The partnership focuses on leveraging Septerna’s GPCR expertise to create oral alternatives to injectable GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic.
  • U.S. regulators have accepted Novo Nordisk’s submission for an oral version of Wegovy, which, if approved, would be the first oral GLP-1 obesity therapy.
  • The move is part of Novo Nordisk’s strategy to maintain market leadership as Eli Lilly’s Zepbound gains traction in the competitive obesity drug market.