Novo makes a rare disease push

Novo Nordisk, which has historically preferred internal development to deals, has been more acquisitive of late. And the group’s decision to double down on rare diseases, made official at its capital markets day last week, could lead to more purchases as it seeks to fill gaps in its portfolio.

A recent analysis by Evaluate Vantage found that rare diseases are a popular area for takeouts, so the Danish company will not be alone in its quest for targets. However, Novo’s head of rare disease, Ludovic Helfgott, brushes off concerns about competition for assets. “What distinguishes us is that we’re taking collaborations at an early stage. We are only interested in places where we can add value – we’re not looking for super late-stage collaborations.”