Novo Nordisk signs agreement with Vivani to evaluate semaglutide implant NPM-139

According to CNBC, Novo Nordisk has signed a new agreement with Vivani Medical to evaluate Vivani’s lead semaglutide implant, NPM-139, an experimental device designed to deliver the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic over several months. Vivani said it envisions the implant as a maintenance option after patients reach an appropriate semaglutide dose using injections or pills, with the goal of dosing twice a year or potentially once annually, though the current version would be removed and replaced every six months. Vivani said it received approval in June from an Australian human research ethics committee to begin its first human trial, SLIM-1, a phase one study expected to start in mid-2026 enrolling about 20 overweight or obese adults who have not previously taken GLP-1 medicines; participants will be randomized to receive either the implant or a low-dose weekly Wegovy injection over four weeks to assess safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics, with weight loss also measured. Novo Nordisk said the agreement is intended to complement its internal research and development with external innovation, while Vivani’s CEO Adam Mendelsohn said the deal is not a licensing agreement.