Novo Nordisk To Focus On Obesity With New Seattle Research Unit
By Cyndi Root
Novo Nordisk is focusing efforts on obesity treatments and is building a new obesity research unit in Seattle, WA. The company announced the initiative in a press release. The Novo Nordisk Obesity Research Unit will initially employ 10 people, reaching 60 by the end of 2016. The new center will concentrate on basic research and treatments for obesity. Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, EVP and CSO at Novo Nordisk, said, “Our ambition is to drive scientific progress in the obesity disease area and through this, identify and develop new treatment options for people with obesity.”
Seattle Obesity Unit
Dr. Kevin Grove, an expert in endocrinology from Oregon Health & Science University, will head the new facility in Seattle. He commented on the post, saying,
“I’m looking forward to leading the Novo Nordisk Obesity Research Unit in Seattle and gathering a team of preeminent researchers within the obesity and endocrinology field. We have a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the management of this disease that impacts so many people globally.
When fully operational at the end of 2016, the 60 employees will join the 300 people worldwide in the Novo Nordisk company that work in obesity research and development. The company is locating the unit with its Type 1 Diabetes Research Unit, which was established in 2009.
Novo Nordisk Activities
Novo Nordisk is primarily focused on creating treatments for diabetes, however in recent months the company has also made several moves to refocus efforts on obesity R&D. The company recently made known its plans to withdraw from inflammatory R&D, a process that will begin with the closing of its inflammation research unit in Seattle. This move came shortly after its anti-IL-20 compound failed to prove efficacy in a Phase 2b trial.
Novo Nordisk Portfolio
Diabetes treatments Levemir and Victoza lead Novo Nordisk’s product line. Tresiba (insulin degludec) is approved in Japan and awaiting approval in the U.S. Xultophy, another diabetes agent, has received positive opinions from regulatory authorities. In September 2014, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel gave a positive opinion for Saxenda (liraglutide) in the treatment of obesity.