Announcement of Increased Investment in AI-Driven Drug Development
January 8, 2025 – Novo Nordisk A/S and Valo Health, Inc., today announced an expanded collaboration to accelerate the discovery and development of novel treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Building on their initial partnership in September 2023, which included up to 11 drug programmes focused on cardiovascular disease, the companies have now agreed to enhance their efforts with additional resources and strategic focus areas.
Key Details of the Expanded Collaboration
The expanded collaboration includes the following key elements:
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Increased Funding: The parties have committed to a total investment of [amount] over the next three years, with Valo Health contributing an additional [amount].
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AI-Driven Platform Expansion: The partnership will leverage Novo Nordisk’s state-of-the-art Opal Computational Platform, which is designed to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to optimize drug discovery processes. This platform will be enhanced to address the unique challenges of metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
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Collaborative Research and Development: The companies will collaborate on identifying new molecular targets, optimizing drug candidates, and advancing preclinical studies for potential treatments targeting obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Strategic Focus Areas
The expanded collaboration is centered around three key areas:
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Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: Priority will be given to the discovery of novel therapies that address the complexities of obesity-related metabolic disorders, including excess fat tissue and insulin resistance.
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Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The collaboration aims to develop innovative treatments that target the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
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Cardiovascular Disease: While cardiovascular disease remains a critical focus, the partnership will explore opportunities for cross-platform translational research that may lead to shared insights and therapeutic advances across these chronic disease domains.
Leadership Commitment
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Nexo Nørgård, CEO of Novo Nordisk A/S: “We are deeply committed to advancing treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This expanded collaboration with Valo Health represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to develop innovative therapies that address some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.”
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Liz Skrbkova, Head of Global Product Development at Novo Nordisk: “Valo Health’s expertise in AI-driven drug discovery complements Novo Nordisk’s global leadership in diabetes and cardiovascular disease research. This partnership will enable us to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge science into patient-friendly treatments.”
Industry Impact
This collaboration underscores the growing importance of AI-driven approaches in drug discovery, particularly in the context of complex chronic diseases. By combining Novo Nordisk’s extensive clinical expertise with Valo Health’s innovative technology platform, the companies aim to bridge gaps in understanding and treatment options for obesity-related conditions.
Additional Investment in Research
To support this expanded collaboration, Valo Health has agreed to invest an additional [amount] in dedicated research resources. This funding will be utilized to enhance the Opal Computational Platform and allocate resources to prioritize high-impact drug candidates across the three strategic focus areas.
Regulatory Updates
Both companies have submitted updated regulatory filings to reflect these new developments. The submission includes detailed information on the expanded partnership, investment amounts, and key milestones for the upcoming three-year period.
Key Partnerships
This collaboration builds on Novo Nordisk’s existing partnerships with leading health-focused organizations. These alliances are strategically positioned to maximize impact and accelerate the translation of innovative science into real-world solutions for patients.
Conclusion
The expanded collaboration between Novo Nordisk A/S and Valo Health, Inc., represents a significant milestone in the fight against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. With increased investment, enhanced technology, and shared strategic focus areas, the companies are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to improving global health outcomes.
About Novo Nordisk A/S
Nexo Nørgård, CEO of Novo Nordisk A/S, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in advancing treatments for chronic diseases. “We are deeply committed to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time through innovative science and collaboration.”
For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.
About Valo Health, Inc.
Valo Health, Inc., is a leader in AI-driven drug discovery with a focus on developing innovative therapies for complex chronic diseases. For additional details, please visit www.valohealth.com.
Media Contact
For further information, contact:
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Nexo Nørgård, CEO, Novo Nordisk A/S
- Email: abmo@novonordisk.com
- Phone: +45 3079 9289
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Liz Skrbkova, Head of Global Product Development, Novo Nordisk
- Email: lizz_skrbkova@novonordisk.com
- Phone: +1 609 917 0632
Investor Relations
For investor inquiries:
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Jacob Martin Wiborg Rode, Global Vice President, Investor Relations
- Email: jacob.wiborg@novonordisk.com
- Phone: +45 3078 8512
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Liz Skrbkova, Head of Global Product Development, Novo Nordisk**
- Email: lizz_skrbkova@novonordisk.com
- Phone: +1 609 917 0632
Press Contact
For press inquiries:
- Nexo Nørgård, CEO, Novo Nordisk A/S
- Email: abmo@novonordisk.com
- Phone: +45 3079 9289
Additional Information
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. For a full discussion of the risks involved, please read the documents filed with the regulatory authorities.
Legal Notices
The information provided in this document is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. Novo Nordisk A/S disclaims any liability related to reliance on this information.
