Novo Nordisk collaborates with Vivani Medical to evaluate semaglutide implant for chronic weight management

USA—Novo Nordisk has expanded its obesity treatment strategy by signing a non-exclusive agreement with California-based medtech company Vivani Medical to evaluate an ultra-long-acting semaglutide implant designed for chronic weight management.

The move comes as competition in the fast-growing weight-loss market intensifies, particularly from rival drugmaker Eli Lilly.

Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will internally assess Vivani’s investigational NPM-139 implant, which utilizes the company’s proprietary NanoPortal technology to deliver semaglutide continuously over extended periods through a miniature subdermal device.

Unlike current injectable therapies, the device is being developed to deliver a drug continuously for several months, potentially reducing the need for frequent dosing.

The agreement does not include exclusivity provisions, allowing Vivani to pursue additional partnerships.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster medicines Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.

Although the companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, the collaboration signals Novo’s growing interest in alternative drug delivery technologies that could improve patient convenience and long-term treatment adherence.

Technology aims to improve treatment adherence

Vivani believes its NanoPortal platform could address several challenges associated with existing GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies, including medication non-adherence, tolerability concerns and declining treatment effectiveness over time.

Research has shown that many patients struggle to remain on weekly injectable GLP-1 medicines, limiting their long-term benefits.

Adam Mendelsohn, President and CEO of Vivani Medical, said the agreement highlights Novo Nordisk’s confidence in both the company’s implant technology and its lead semaglutide programme.

He noted that Vivani is developing a portfolio of GLP-1 implants for obesity and type 2 diabetes, adding that patients may prefer a treatment administered once or twice a year while retaining the option to discontinue therapy if needed.

Vivani recently received regulatory clearance to begin its Phase I SLIM-1 clinical trial, which will evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and tolerability of NPM-139 in people with obesity and chronic weight management.

The first-in-human study is expected to begin in mid-2026 and will compare the implant with Novo Nordisk’s injectable Wegovy to support the design of a Phase II dose-ranging trial.

Competition in the obesity market intensifies

The partnership comes as Novo Nordisk faces mounting pressure from Eli Lilly, whose tirzepatide products Mounjaro and Zepbound continue to gain market share in diabetes and obesity treatment.

During the first quarter of 2026, Mounjaro generated US$8.7 billion, while Zepbound recorded US$4.2 billion, representing year-on-year sales growth of 125% and 80%, respectively.

The strong performance helped lift Eli Lilly’s quarterly revenue to US$19.8 billion, an increase of 56% compared with the same period in 2025.

Novo Nordisk, however, has strengthened its position in the oral obesity treatment market after becoming the first company to launch an approved weight-loss pill.

In May 2026, Chief Executive Officer Mike Doustdar described the product’s launch as a “record-breaking start,” noting that demand has continued to accelerate.

More recently, the company has continued to expand its obesity portfolio through partnerships and novel drug-delivery technologies, including the latest collaboration with Vivani to explore long-acting implant-based treatment options.