Novo Nordisk acquires 2 biopharma companies

BAGSVÆRD, Denmark — Novo Nordisk this week announced that it would expand its portfolio with the acquisition of biopharmaceutical companies Calibirum and MB2, both based in Indiana. Both companies are focused on developing treatment for diabetes and metabolic diseases.

“We are always on the lookout for ways to strengthen our leadership position within therapeutic proteins,” Novo Nordisk’s EVP and chief science officer Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen said. “This research team has demonstrated world-class capabilities in protein design and created a project portfolio of innovative product leads that fit very well with our aspirations within diabetes and obesity.”

The transaction, whose details won’t be disclosed, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2015.

"It's an honor to join the global Novo Nordisk research community,” MB2 and Calibrium’s chief scientific officer and co-founder Richard DiMarachi said. “Their intense focus on metabolic diseases, which over the years has led to numerous breakthrough protein-based medicines, aligns perfectly with my career-long priorities.”