India Pharma Outlook Team | Thursday, 26 February 2026
Novo Nordisk has signed a $2.1 billion deal with U.S.-based biotech Vivtex to develop an oral obesity drug regimen that could replace or complement blockbuster weight-loss injections.
The agreement marks a major move by the Danish drugmaker as it looks to strengthen its leadership in the fast-growing obesity treatment market.
Under the pact, Novo Nordisk will gain access to Vivtex’s proprietary oral drug delivery platform. The technology is designed to help biologic medicines survive the digestive system and be absorbed effectively when taken as a pill. Novo will lead global development, regulatory filings, manufacturing, and commercialization if the program advances successfully.
Also Read: Bridging Collaboration Gaps to Boost India's Pharma Discovery
Vivtex will receive upfront payments, milestone-based payouts, and potential royalties tied to sales. The total value of the agreement could reach $2.1 billion.
The push toward an oral obesity drug comes as demand for injectable GLP-1 treatments continues to surge, but competition is intensifying. An effective pill alternative could make treatment easier for patients who are hesitant about weekly injections and expand access worldwide.
Novo Nordisk has dominated the obesity care market with its injectable therapies, but this collaboration signals a broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and defend market share. If successful, the oral obesity drug program could reshape how weight-loss medicines are prescribed and taken in the future.
