Novo Nordisk signs up to $2.1 billion deal with Vivtex to develop oral obesity therapies

Summary

Novo Nordisk has entered a partnership with biotechnology firm Vivtex to develop oral versions of obesity and diabetes treatments, in a deal worth up to $2.1 billion, underscoring the industry’s push to move beyond injectable therapies.

COPENHAGEN/BOSTON, Feb. 25, 2026 — Novo Nordisk has signed a collaboration agreement with Vivtex to develop oral formulations of metabolic disease treatments, the companies said, in a deal that could total up to $2.1 billion including milestone payments.

Under the agreement, Vivtex will provide its drug-delivery platform, while Novo Nordisk will lead development, manufacturing, and commercialization of potential therapies.

Push to expand oral treatment options

The partnership reflects a broader industry effort to create pill-based alternatives to injectable medicines used to treat obesity and diabetes.

Oral delivery of biologic drugs has historically been challenging because large molecules can degrade in the digestive system or fail to be absorbed efficiently.

Companies are increasingly investing in technologies designed to protect active ingredients and improve absorption, potentially improving patient convenience and adherence.

Deal structure and financial terms

Vivtex is eligible to receive upfront payments, development milestones, and royalties tied to future product sales, though the companies did not disclose the detailed payment schedule.

Collaborations of this type are common in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing large drugmakers to combine their clinical and commercial capabilities with specialized technology platforms developed by smaller biotech firms.

Strategic context

Novo Nordisk has built a leading position in treatments for metabolic diseases and continues to expand its pipeline as demand grows globally.

Advances in oral delivery could broaden the addressable market by offering more convenient treatment options and potentially improving long-term adherence among patients.

Why this matters

The race to develop more convenient obesity and diabetes therapies is intensifying as demand surges worldwide.

If successful, oral versions of these treatments could reshape the competitive landscape, making therapies easier to use and potentially expanding access to patients who prefer pills over injections.

FAQs

Q1. What is the value of the deal?

The collaboration could be worth up to $2.1 billion, including milestone payments.

Q2. What is the goal of the partnership?

To develop oral versions of treatments for obesity and diabetes using Vivtex’s delivery technology.

Q3. Why are oral drugs important?

They can be more convenient for patients and may improve adherence compared with injectable therapies.

Q4. Who will develop and sell the drugs?

Novo Nordisk will lead development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

Q5. Does this mean new drugs are coming soon?

Not necessarily. Candidates will still need to go through clinical trials and regulatory review.