Novo Nordisk has entered a multiyear partnership with Replicate Bioscience worth up to $550 million to develop self-replicating RNA (srRNA) medicines targeting obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases.
srRNA is an emerging RNA technology designed to improve on conventional mRNA. Instead of a single message that fades quickly, srRNA carries instructions plus a “copying engine” that allows it to replicate inside cells. This amplifies protein production, which can lead to more durable effects at lower doses. Early clinical studies have shown protective immunity with srRNA vaccines at doses as much as 1,000-fold lower than mRNA.
For Novo Nordisk, the deal reflects a push to diversify beyond its GLP-1 medicines and tap into new approaches. Karina Thorn, Corporate Vice President and Head of Nucleic Acid Research, noted that Replicate’s srRNA platform enables “tuneable and durable protein expression,” complementing Novo’s strategy to raise the bar in cardiometabolic innovation and expand intracellular approaches.
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