Novo Nordisk has entered a non-exclusive collaboration with California-based Vivani Medical to evaluate an investigational ultra-long-acting semaglutide implant for chronic weight management.

Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will assess Vivani’s NPM-139 implant, which uses the company’s proprietary NanoPortal technology to continuously deliver semaglutide through a miniature subdermal implant over several months. The approach is designed to reduce the need for frequent injections and improve long-term treatment adherence.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s obesity and diabetes medicines Wegovy and Ozempic. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, and the collaboration remains non-exclusive.

Vivani believes its implant technology could help address common challenges associated with GLP-1 therapies, including medication non-adherence and treatment tolerability. The company 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. The study is expected to begin in mid-2026 and will compare the implant with injectable Wegovy.

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The collaboration comes as competition in the obesity treatment market continues to intensify. Novo Nordisk is expanding its portfolio through innovative drug-delivery technologies, while rival Eli Lilly continues to strengthen its position with its GLP-1 therapies.

The partnership reflects Novo Nordisk’s continued focus on developing more convenient, long-acting treatment options for people living with obesity.

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