Novo Nordisk is expanding its focus beyond GLP-1 and GIP by partnering with Deep Apple Therapeutics to develop oral small molecules targeting a novel non-incretin GPCR for obesity and cardiometabolic conditions. The agreement grants Novo Nordisk global rights to any drug candidates developed, with the transfer of assets occurring prior to IND-enabling studies.

Deep Apple Therapeutics, supported by $52 million in Series A funding from Apple Tree Partners, applies its Orchard.ai platform to identify small molecules for difficult targets such as GPCRs. The platform integrates AI-generated virtual libraries with cryo-electron microscopy, aiming to accelerate drug discovery for complex conditions. This collaboration aligns with Novo Nordisk’s ongoing efforts to broaden its obesity treatment portfolio.