BioMed X, an independent biomedical research institute based in Heidelberg, Germany, has announced the launch of a new collaboration with Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company headquartered in Denmark.

This partnership will focus on addressing one of the most critical challenges in modern drug development: the efficient oral delivery of therapeutic peptides.

A dedicated research team will be formed to advance this project, titled “Prolonged Retention of Oral Peptide Formulations in the Gut,” and they will join the research community at BioMed X in Heidelberg.

The aim is 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. The partnership aims to overcome these hurdles by creating 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.

Commenting on the new partnership, Dr. Christian Tidona, CEO of BioMed X, said, “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.”

Stephen Buckley, Scientific Vice President at Novo Nordisk, noted that the company has long been at the forefront of innovation in oral formulation of peptides, having launched the first and only oral biologic currently available on the market.

“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,” he added.