Novo Signs Up to $2.1 Billion Deal to Boost Obesity Pipeline (1)

Novo Nordisk A/S will partner with US biotech firm Vivtex Corp. to develop next-generation drugs for obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases in a deal potentially worth up to $2.1 billion.

The Danish drugmaker, which is looking to boost its pipeline to find successors to blockbusters Wegovy and Ozempic, said the tie-up will give it access to new technologies that could help it create oral treatments for obesity and other metabolic diseases.

After pioneering a new class of weight-loss treatments with Wegovy, Novo has fallen behind US rival Eli Lilly & Co. in the fast-growing market, prompting a 63% fall ...