Novonesis and novo Nordisk Partner to Pioneer Microbiome-Based Obesity Solutions
Bagsværd, Denmark – September 8, 2024 – Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, and Novo Nordisk, a frontrunner in diabetes and obesity care, announced a strategic research collaboration today to investigate novel microbiome-based solutions for the prevention and management of obesity and related metabolic diseases. The partnership will leverage Novonesis’s enzyme and microbial technology platforms alongside Novo Nordisk’s pharmaceutical expertise to develop innovative interventions targeting the gut microbiome.
Obesity rates continue to climb worldwide, impacting an estimated 2.5 billion adults globally, according to the World Health Organization.3 This escalating health crisis contributes to a range of serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.3 Clinically relevant weight loss, even modest reductions of 5-10%, can significantly improve health outcomes for patients.4 This collaboration aims to unlock the potential of the gut microbiome to address the complex challenges of obesity,offering new avenues for prevention and treatment beyond existing pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions.
The core of the collaboration will focus on identifying and developing targeted prebiotics and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) designed to modulate the gut microbiome composition and function. Research indicates that dietary fibers and the resulting microbiome metabolites play a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, appetite, and inflammation.2,5 Specifically, the companies will explore how manipulating the microbiome can enhance the efficacy of existing weight management therapies and potentially create entirely new therapeutic approaches.
“We believe that the gut microbiome holds immense potential for addressing the global obesity epidemic,” stated a Novonesis representative. “By combining our expertise in microbial technologies with Novo Nordisk’s clinical and pharmaceutical capabilities,we are uniquely positioned to accelerate the advancement of groundbreaking solutions.”
Novo Nordisk’s commitment to obesity care is underscored by the growing demand for its existing therapies, while the partnership with Novonesis signals a proactive investment in next-generation microbiome-based interventions.4 The initial phase of the collaboration will involve preclinical research and proof-of-concept studies, with the potential for clinical trials in the future.1 The long-term goal is to deliver innovative, personalized solutions that empower individuals to achieve sustainable weight management and improve overall metabolic health.5