Overview

• Novo will fund research and may pay up to $550 million to Replicate, which is also eligible for tiered royalties, with the upfront sum undisclosed.
• Novo receives an exclusive, worldwide license to apply Replicate’s self‑replicating RNA platform to obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic targets, with specific targets not disclosed.
• Replicate says its srRNA amplifies therapeutic protein production and could yield stronger immune responses and improved safety versus current RNA drugs, claims that still require clinical validation.
• The deal extends Novo’s multi‑year RNA strategy following moves like the Dicerna acquisition, planned Cardior purchase, and recent collaborations including Septerna.
• The partnership arrives as Novo faces intensifying rivalry from Eli Lilly and the prospect of lower‑cost versions of Wegovy weighing on its obesity franchise.