Novo Nordisk strikes $1bn deal for Lexicon’s oral obesity drug (Pharmaceutical Technology)

Novo Nordisk has signed a $1 billion deal with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for exclusive global rights to LX9851, an experimental oral drug targeting obesity and metabolic disorders. The agreement gives Lexicon $75 million upfront, with additional milestone-based payments. LX9851 targets fat metabolism and has shown enhanced weight loss effects when combined with Novo’s semaglutide (Wegovy). The deal is part of Novo Nordisk’s aggressive strategy to expand its obesity portfolio amid rising global demand and competition from Eli Lilly’s Zepbound.