Novo Nordisk has entered a major partnership with Orbis Medicines in a deal worth up to $1.4 billion, aimed at developing next-generation oral peptide-based drugs for cardiometabolic diseases.
The collaboration will focus on “macrocyclic peptides,” a newer class of drug molecules designed to overcome one of the biggest challenges in peptide medicine: poor absorption in the digestive system. These compounds are being explored as a way to transform traditionally injectable treatments into oral pills.
Biologic drugs such as peptides are widely used in treating conditions like obesity and diabetes, but they typically require injection because they break down in the stomach before reaching the bloodstream. Even recent oral versions require significantly higher doses to compensate for this loss.
Macrocyclic peptides are designed to be more stable and potentially more effective when taken orally. Drugmakers believe they could improve convenience, patient adherence, and long-term treatment outcomes if successful.
Under the agreement, Orbis will work with Novo Nordisk to identify and develop multiple drug candidates targeting cardiometabolic diseases. The companies have not disclosed specific targets or the number of compounds under development.
The deal highlights a growing industry shift toward oral biologics. Several biotech firms are now working on similar macrocycle-based platforms, aiming to bring injection-based therapies into pill form. Merck has already brought a macrocycle-based cholesterol drug to market, signaling early validation of the approach.
The partnership also reflects Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy shift as competition intensifies in the obesity drug market. Over the past year, the company has undergone leadership changes, restructuring, and increased investment in digital and AI-driven drug discovery.
Orbis Medicines, meanwhile, uses AI-based molecular modeling to design compounds that can interact with complex biological targets while remaining orally bioavailable. The company raised $93 million in early 2025 to expand its platform.
If successful, the collaboration could help reshape how peptide-based drugs are delivered, potentially moving some of the fastest-growing therapies in medicine from injections to pills.