Novo Nordisk has announced the acquisition of Cardior Pharmaceuticals for up to €1 billion as part of its strategic expansion in cardiovascular treatments.

Cardior Pharmaceuticals specializes in RNA-targeted therapies aimed at preventing and treating heart disease. Its focus on unique non-coding RNA offers promising solutions for cardiac disorders. Its drug CDR132L is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure.

In recent years, biotechnology companies have been exploring ways to alter RNA, a molecule found in all living cells and similar in structure to DNA. RNA generally uses amino acids as the code for making proteins. However, some variants of RNA do not code for proteins; Cardior Pharmaceuticals is focusing on these molecules, which are important for regulating cellular activity but whose bad function can lead to disease.

Novo Nordisk's soaring global demand for Novo Nordisk's weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, has made it Europe's most valuable company. The company is now investing part of its revenues from the sale of weight loss drugs in experimental treatments to strengthen its drug portfolio. For instance, the company is also developing drugs for chronic kidney disease and hypertension.