Novo acquires three non-incretin obesity programs from Kallyope

Novo has acquired three early-stage obesity drug development programs from New York biotech Kallyope, in a deal announced September 18, 2026.

The programs use non-incretin mechanisms, aiming to expand Novo’s obesity pipeline beyond GLP-1 and other established gut-hormone approaches.

The lead candidate, K-554, is a potential first-in-class, once-weekly peptide designed to regulate food intake through biology distinct from GLP-1 and amylin. It is ready for an investigational new drug (IND) application.

The other two assets are small molecules:
one is a follow-on compound aimed at a novel target, and the other is a small-molecule receptor agonist in lead optimization.

Financial terms, specific targets, development rights and detailed clinical data were not disclosed. No human efficacy data have been reported.

The transaction builds on a prior Novo–Kallyope relationship that began with a 2018 research collaboration; Novo separately exercised an option on one Kallyope-discovered ligand in 2024.

Strategically, the acquisition reflects Novo’s effort to refresh and diversify its obesity portfolio amid increasing competition and pressure to develop alternatives or complements to current GLP-1 therapies.