Novo Nordisk Partners with Replicate Bioscience for RNA-Based Treatments

Novo Nordisk has struck a deal with Replicate Bioscience to develop new treatments for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disorders. The agreement includes research funding and up to $550 million in milestone payments. Novo is expanding its research pipeline and has invested in RNA technology, including the acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals and plans to buy Cardior.

Title: Novo Nordisk Partners with Replicate Bioscience to Develop Novel RNA Therapies for Obesity and Diabetes

Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company specializing in metabolic disorders, has announced a strategic partnership with Replicate Bioscience to develop new RNA-based treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases. The agreement includes substantial research funding and potential milestone payments of up to $550 million.

Replicate Bioscience, a clinical-stage company based in San Diego, specializes in self-replicating RNA (srRNA) technology. This innovative approach involves replicating RNA inside patient cells to continuously produce therapeutic proteins, potentially requiring lower doses and offering a longer duration of therapeutic effect [1].

The partnership will allow Novo Nordisk to leverage Replicate's srRNA platform to develop and commercialize lead programs targeting obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic disorders. Specific financial details of the deal remain confidential, but Replicate could receive up to $550 million, including an upfront payment and milestone payments [1]. The length of the collaboration was not specified, but it is described as a multi-year deal.

This partnership is part of Novo Nordisk's broader strategy to expand its research pipeline in metabolic diseases. The company has already invested in RNA technology, including its $3.3 billion acquisition of Dicerna Pharmaceuticals in 2021, which focuses on RNA interference medicines for cardiometabolic diseases [1]. Additionally, Novo Nordisk has been on a dealmaking spree this year, collaborating with other companies like United Laboratories International and Deep Apple Therapeutics to enhance its cardiometabolic pipeline [2].

Novo Nordisk's investment in Replicate Bioscience follows a challenging first half of the year, marked by underperformance of its blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy and suboptimal commercial execution. However, the company is seeking to turn around its fortunes by expanding its research capabilities and exploring new therapeutic modalities [2].

References
1. [NUMBER:1] https://medcitynews.com/2025/08/novo-nordisk-replicate-biosciences-self-replicating-rna-startup-obesity-diabetes-metabolic/
2. [NUMBER:2] https://www.biospace.com/business/novo-seeks-rna-approach-to-obesity-diabetes-with-550m-replicate-deal