This Small-Cap Biotech Just Soared Over 160% — What Is The Novo Nordisk Connection?

• Veru stated in a regulatory filing that it will sponsor and conduct the Phase 2b PLATEAU study, while Novo Nordisk will provide Wegovy at no cost for use in the trial.
• It will also share study-related updates with Novo Nordisk, including information on trial design, protocol amendments, and safety data.
• The company said it will retain full global development and commercialization rights to enobosarm.

Shares of Veru Inc. (VERU) soared more than 160% in Thursday morning’s trade after the company announced that it had entered into a clinical supply agreement with Novo Nordisk AS (NVO).

Under the agreement, Veru will evaluate enobosarm alongside Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in the Phase 2b PLATEAU trial in older adults with obesity.

Veru shares were up more than 158% during Thursday morning’s trade after paring some of the gains.

VERU Retains Global Rights To Enobosarm

Veru stated in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it will sponsor and conduct the Phase 2b PLATEAU study, while Novo Nordisk will provide Wegovy at no cost for use in the trial.

Veru will also share study-related updates with Novo Nordisk, including information on trial design, protocol amendments, and safety data. The company said it will retain full global development and commercialization rights to enobosarm.

Veru also granted Novo Nordisk a right of first negotiation for any future agreement involving enobosarm in combination with Novo Nordisk GLP-1 therapies, including Wegovy.

Canaccord Sees NVO Deal As Major Validation

According to TheFly, Canaccord described the Novo Nordisk agreement as a significant milestone for Veru, saying it validates interest in enobosarm from one of the leading players in the obesity market.

The firm added that it continues to view Veru's clinical data as compelling and believes enobosarm could emerge as a key differentiator in obesity treatment.

Canaccord reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating and $25 price target on the stock.

What Is VERU's Phase 2b PLATEAU Study About?

The Phase 2b PLATEAU trial is evaluating Veru's enobosarm in approximately 200 adults aged 65 and older with obesity who are beginning treatment with Wegovy.

The study aims to determine whether enobosarm can preserve muscle mass and physical function, helping patients overcome the weight-loss plateau often seen with GLP-1 therapies.

Veru expects interim data on lean mass and fat mass in the first quarter of 2027, with topline results anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027.

How Did Retail Traders React To VERU Stock?

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around Veru trended in the ‘extremely bullish’ territory, with message volumes at ‘extremely high’ levels at the time of writing.

VERU stock is up 154% year-to-date, while NVO stock is down 14%. The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (VTI) is up 27% over the past 12 months, while the Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund ETF (VXF) is up 29%.

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