Novo Nordisk A/S is partnering with US biotech Septerna Inc. on the development of oral pills for obesity in a deal potentially worth up to $2.2 billion.The two companies will start with four development programs that use different ways to potentially treat obesity,

The deal with U.S. biotech Septerna will see the companies develop pills to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases.

The research collaboration, under which Septerna will receive more than $200 million in upfront and near-term fees, is the latest deal Novo has struck to expand its obesity pipeline.