Novo Nordisk acquires three early-stage obesity programs from Kallyope

Novo Nordisk announced the purchase of three early-stage obesity drug programs from New York‑based biotech Kallyope, expanding its metabolic pipeline.

The acquired assets are not GLP‑1 incretins. One is described as a potential first‑in‑class peptide called K‑554, which Novo says is IND‑ready. The other two are a follow‑on small molecule targeting a novel mechanism and a small molecule receptor agonist.

K‑554 is a once‑weekly, non‑incretin peptide aimed at regulating food intake. Kallyope had planned to begin phase 1 testing of the candidate with data expected in the second half of 2026.

The deal underscores Novo's strategy to diversify obesity treatments beyond GLP‑1s and build a broader pipeline of approaches for patients with obesity.