Two Danish powerhouses—biosolutions leader Novonesis and healthcare giant Novo Nordisk—have announced a strategic research collaboration that places the gut microbiome at the center of the fight against metabolic disease.

The partnership reflects a growing recognition in both science and business that metabolic health—long linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—may be shaped not just by genes and lifestyle, but also by the trillions of microorganisms living in our intestines.

Under the agreement, Novonesis and Novo Nordisk will co-develop synbiotic solutions, combining probiotics (beneficial microbes) with prebiotics (the nutrients that help them thrive). These formulations will be tested for their potential to influence markers such as blood glucose and cholesterol—key predictors of long-term health.

But the scope goes beyond product development. The collaboration aims to uncover novel microbiome biomarkers that could help clinicians monitor, and even predict, metabolic health trajectories. In other words, the gut microbiome may serve as both a target for intervention and a diagnostic tool.

A convergence of expertise

For Novonesis, the collaboration is an extension of its push to transform biology into practical health solutions.

“This new collaboration with Novo Nordisk enables us to deepen our understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in maintaining metabolic health and to identify innovative products that support it,” said Henrik Joerck Nielsen, Executive Vice President, Human Health Biosolutions & Strategy at Novonesis.

For Novo Nordisk, best known for its therapies addressing diabetes and obesity, the deal fits into its broader Transformational Prevention Unit strategy.

“Obesity is a complex disease driven by multiple factors, including our hormones and genetics, and we are becoming increasingly aware of the role the gut plays in maintaining metabolic health,” explained Professor Nadeem Sarwar, Corporate Vice President at Novo Nordisk.

Sarwar added that prevention, alongside treatment, is central to Novo Nordisk’s vision. “We can’t do this alone—building novel, multi-sector partnerships is crucial,” he said.

Science meets market opportunity

The timing is significant. Obesity is now officially recognized by the World Health Organization as a chronic, progressive disease, associated with more than 200 complications. Global prevalence continues to rise, fueling demand for scalable solutions that can both treat and prevent disease.

Meanwhile, investment in microbiome science has accelerated, with breakthroughs suggesting dietary fibers, probiotics, and synbiotics may help mitigate obesity-related risks. For both companies, the collaboration represents a way to bridge cutting-edge science with commercial opportunity—one that could shape a future market for evidence-based microbiome interventions.

Although both partners are headquartered in Denmark, the impact of their collaboration is likely to extend far beyond the Nordic region. Novonesis already delivers biosolutions across 30 industries worldwide, while Novo Nordisk markets treatments in around 170 countries.

The combination of biological innovation and pharmaceutical muscle could create a unique pathway for translating microbiome discoveries into accessible, science-backed solutions for everyday health.

If successful, the partnership may not just advance microbiome science—it could help redefine how businesses, healthcare systems, and consumers view the prevention of chronic disease.