Looking to expand its legacy in metabolic conditions, Novo Nordisk has inked a multiyear research pact with Variant Bio to better understand the genetics underlying disease across diverse populations. The Ozempic and Wegovy seller will pay up to $50 million in upfront and near-term R&D funding while also offering Variant an undisclosed amount of biobucks for therapeutic targets that result from the deal, according to a Jan. 7 release. The pair will work together to identify new targets using Variant’s platform, dubbed VB-Inference. The tech relies on statistical genetics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to spot and validate novel targets. The Seattle-based biotech prioritizes studying genes in underrepresented and understudied groups, such as Indigenous populations in New Zealand, per a New York Times report Tuesday. By identifying communities with “unique genetic architectures and outlier phenotypes,” Variant has uncovered new genetic evidence that is the foundation of its internal preclinical pipeline, according to the company.

Full report : Novo Nordisk collaborates with biotech startup, Variant Bio to find new metabolic treatments by gathering genetic data.