Novo Nordisk and Deep Apple in $812M Non-GLP-1 Drug Research Deal

Novo Nordisk has embarked on a significant collaboration with Deep Apple Therapeutics in a bid to diversify its presence in the cardiometabolic drug market by exploring avenues beyond incretins. The $812 million agreement is designed to leverage Deep Apple's capabilities in discovering and optimizing novel drug candidates, targeting a specific non-incretin G protein-coupled receptor. This collaboration serves as a pivotal move for Novo Nordisk, which has historically focused on incretin-based treatments, such as its well-known semaglutide, branded as Wegovy and Ozempic for addressing obesity and type 2 diabetes respectively.

Under the terms of the partnership, Deep Apple Therapeutics will focus on research and development to identify potential drugs targeting the new receptor. Novo Nordisk retains the option to advance these findings into development, manufacturing, and commercialization across various medical indications. The partnership structure includes an undisclosed breakdown of the initial payment, research funding, and milestone incentives, with Deep Apple also set to benefit from royalties on successful products that make it to market.

The collaboration is noteworthy in the context of Novo Nordisk’s strategic pivot, which marks a departure from its traditional emphasis on incretin-related compounds. This move comes as Novo Nordisk faces competition from Eli Lilly, whose tirzepatide—marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound—targets both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, creating a competitive edge in the marketplace.

The new focus on a non-incretin target reflects Novo Nordisk's ambition to expand its therapeutic portfolio and address diverse needs within the cardiometabolic disease spectrum. Jacob Sten Petersen, senior vice president of diabetes, obesity, and MASH therapeutic areas at Novo Nordisk, expressed optimism about the potential of Deep Apple’s platform, which incorporates advanced machine learning and cryo-electron microscopy techniques for drug discovery.

Founded by Apple Tree Partners in 2022 with an initial $52 million investment, Deep Apple Therapeutics has developed a pipeline that spans metabolic diseases and other areas, including immune and endocrine disorders. This collaboration is part of Novo Nordisk's wider strategy to reclaim its position in the cardiometabolic market, which has seen declining share prices due to the competitive advances of Eli Lilly's tirzepatide.

Novo Nordisk's commitment to expanding its innovative reach is further highlighted by several partnerships established in 2025, such as a $345 million agreement with Gensaic, investments in Variant Bio, and a potential $2 billion deal with United Laboratories. These initiatives reflect the company’s efforts to develop a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple receptor agonist, showcasing a robust pursuit in the field of pharmaceutical innovation.

The collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Deep Apple signifies a transformative approach for the Danish pharmaceutical giant, underscoring its dedication to broadening the scope of its research and development efforts. As Novo Nordisk continues to explore new targets and harness cutting-edge technologies, the partnership with Deep Apple stands as a testament to its evolving strategy in addressing complex cardiometabolic conditions beyond traditional therapies.