Ginkgo Bioworks, which is developing a platform for cell programming and biosecurity, has expanded its strategic partnership with Novo Nordisk under an agreement that initially is anticipated to run more than five years. 
 
Novo Nordisk and Ginkgo have created a flexible and scalable new model for their R&D partnership. The partners aim to improve the manufacturing of Novo Nordisk’s medicines for serious chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity medications. The companies also plan to collaborate on several early pipeline projects, further technology exploration, and engineering of scalable manufacturing solutions across Novo Nordisk’s portfolio. 
 
Marcus Schindler, Novo Nordisk EVP and CSO, said, “We have been very pleased with the progress made in our initial work with Ginkgo focused on exploring strategies for a more effective future production process. We look forward to leveraging Ginkgo’s synthetic biology platform across our R&D pipeline, from discovery through new ways of manufacturing, in this broader strategic partnership. Moreover, we are eager to explore more flexible models for external partnerships and this agreement allows Novo Nordisk to start more projects with Ginkgo in a faster and more agile manner.”
 
Jason Kelly, CEO and co-founder at Ginkgo Bioworks, said, “With this deal structure, Novo Nordisk can easily access the entire expanse of Ginkgo’s pharma services from discovery through manufacturing. Our teams share a deep passion for discovering, developing, and manufacturing innovative therapeutics for serious chronic diseases that affect billions of people around the world. We are honored to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the brilliant scientists, engineers, and developers at Novo Nordisk to help change disease outcomes for patients around the world.”