Novo Nordisk, the company behind popular weight loss and diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is teaming up with Replicate Bioscience to create new treatments for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and related conditions. The deal includes research funding and up to $550 million in payments, with some money paid upfront and the rest tied to future milestones. This partnership is part of Novo Nordisk’s strategy to expand its research efforts beyond its own labs. Recently, Novo Nordisk has faced challenges, including supply shortages for Ozempic and Wegovy, which led to lower sales forecasts and the departure of its CEO. Despite these setbacks, the company is actively working on new treatments. Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk partnered with Septerna to develop obesity pills and has also invested in RNA-based drug technology through deals with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals and Cardior. Replicate Bioscience specializes in self-replicating RNA, which could help the body produce therapeutic proteins that last longer. This approach is similar to messenger RNA technology but with the added benefit of self-replication, making treatments more effective over time.