Novo Nordisk Explores Long-Acting Semaglutide Implant Through Vivani Partnership

The collaboration will evaluate Vivani’s implantable semaglutide technology as Novo Nordisk looks to expand treatment options beyond once-weekly injections.

Novo Nordisk has entered into a collaboration with California-based Vivani Medical to evaluate an investigational long-acting semaglutide implant for chronic weight management, signalling continued investment in next-generation obesity treatments.

The agreement centres on NPM-139, Vivani’s miniature subdermal implant designed to deliver semaglutide continuously over extended periods using the company’s proprietary NanoPortal technology.

While financial details of the partnership were not disclosed, both companies confirmed the agreement is non-exclusive.

Moving Beyond Weekly GLP-1 Injections

Semaglutide is the active ingredient behind Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster medicines Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.

Although weekly injectable GLP-1 therapies have transformed obesity treatment, long-term adherence remains a challenge, with many patients discontinuing treatment or struggling to maintain regular dosing schedules.

Vivani believes its implant technology could help address these issues by providing continuous drug delivery through a single implant that may only need replacing once or twice a year.

The company also says the technology could improve tolerability while allowing treatment to be discontinued if required.

NanoPortal Technology at the Centre of the Collaboration

Vivani’s NanoPortal platform is designed to release medication steadily over prolonged periods following implantation beneath the skin.

The technology aims to offer a more convenient alternative to regular injections while maintaining consistent therapeutic drug levels.

According to Vivani CEO Adam Mendelsohn, the collaboration demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s interest in evaluating implantable GLP-1 therapies as demand grows for longer-acting treatment options.

The company believes some patients may prefer an implant over frequent injections, particularly for long-term weight management.

Clinical Development Underway

Vivani plans to begin a first-in-human Phase I study of NPM-139 during mid-2026.

The trial will compare the investigational implant directly with Novo Nordisk’s injectable Wegovy and will evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics and tolerability.

Positive results would support progression into a Phase II dose-ranging study.

Novo Responds to Intensifying Competition

The partnership comes as competition in the obesity market continues to intensify.

Eli Lilly has rapidly expanded its leadership position through Mounjaro and Zepbound, with both products delivering exceptional sales growth and helping drive record company revenues.

Novo Nordisk has responded by broadening its obesity strategy beyond injectable medicines.

Earlier this year, the company became the first to launch an oral GLP-1 treatment for weight loss, marking another significant milestone in the increasingly competitive metabolic disease market.

The Vivani collaboration suggests Novo is also exploring implantable drug delivery technologies as another way to differentiate its future obesity portfolio.

Why the Partnership Matters

The agreement reflects a growing focus across the pharmaceutical industry on improving convenience and long-term adherence rather than relying solely on improvements in efficacy.

As obesity increasingly becomes a chronic disease requiring long-term treatment, companies are investing in technologies that reduce dosing frequency while maintaining therapeutic benefit.

Implantable drug delivery systems could become an important addition to the expanding range of GLP-1 treatment options if they demonstrate comparable efficacy and improved patient adherence.

Summary

Novo Nordisk has partnered with Vivani Medical to evaluate NPM-139, a long-acting semaglutide implant designed for chronic weight management.

The collaboration highlights growing interest in implantable GLP-1 therapies that could reduce dosing frequency, improve treatment adherence and further expand options for patients living with obesity.

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