§ The initiative aims to identify and support new ideas for innovative oral formulations for peptide drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists via BioMed X’s global talent sourcing and incubation model.
Heidelberg,
Germany, August 19, 2025 – BioMed X, an independent biomedical research institute based in
Heidelberg, Germany, announced today the launch of a new collaboration with Novo Nordisk, a leading global
healthcare company headquartered in Denmark. This partnership aims to address
one of the most critical challenges in modern drug development: the efficient oral
delivery of therapeutic peptides. A research team will be formed to work on this
challenge with support from BioMed X and Novo Nordisk.
The new
project, entitled “Prolonged Retention of Oral Peptide Formulations in the
Gut”, will be hosted at BioMed X in Heidelberg. It aims to develop
novel oral formulation technologies that achieve site-specific, prolonged
retention of tablets or capsules within the lower small intestine. The key
objective is to significantly improve the absorption and bioavailability of
peptide-based therapeutics.
Despite
considerable advances in biomedical research, conventional oral peptide
formulations continue to be limited by low intestinal permeability and rapid
gastrointestinal transit. There is an urgent need for innovative technologies
that ensure prolonged retention of the dosage form in the lower small
intestine, allowing for continuous release and efficient absorption—ultimately
improving patient compliance without compromising gastrointestinal safety and
motility or causing obstruction.
The new
research team will join the research community at BioMed X in Heidelberg,
Germany. Researchers interested in becoming part of this new research group are
invited to respond to this international call by submitting a project proposal
via the BioMed X Career Space at https://career.bmedx.com/call/2025-BMX-C02 before October 12, 2025.
“We are
excited about this new partnership with Novo Nordisk,” said Dr. Christian
Tidona, CEO of BioMed X. “Making peptide drugs such as GLP-1
receptor agonists orally available via new formulation technologies will have a
significant impact on patients’ lives. With our unique global crowdsourcing approach
and our new partner Novo Nordisk, we are confident that we can drive innovation
in oral formulation technologies to the next level.”
“Novo
Nordisk has been at the forefront of innovation in oral formulation of peptides
and launched the first and only oral biologic on the market,” said Stephen
Buckley, Scientific Vice President at Novo Nordisk. “We continuously look
to push the boundaries of science through both internal and external innovation,
and we are excited about the opportunities that this project may bring.”
About BioMed X BioMed X is an independent research
institute with sites in Heidelberg, Germany, New Haven, Connecticut, XSeed Labs
in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a worldwide network of partner locations. We
operate at the interface between academia and industry, performing biomedical
research and drug discovery & development in the fields of oncology,
immunology, neuroscience, platform technologies, and artificial intelligence. All our research projects are supported by
leading pharmaceutical companies and conducted by early-career scientists
recruited from the best schools around the world. The combination of global
crowdsourcing with local incubation of the best research talents and ideas
allows us to solve the biggest challenges in biomedical research. We stand for free, creative, and
curiosity-driven research combined with a solid validation of results,
timelines, and deliverables. We serve a large purpose in advancing
translational biomedicine by leveraging synergies and fostering
cross-pollination across disciplines.
About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare
company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive
change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes.
We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our
medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease.
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