(Bloomberg) - Novo Nordisk signed its third research deal with a biotech backed by Flagship Pioneering, agreeing to pay as much as USD 600m to develop next-generation obesity treatments. 

The project with Metaphore Biotechnologies aims to develop up to two medicines, the companies said on Thursday. Metaphore uses machine learning in an attempt to mimic interactions between molecules, Uli Stilz, head of the Novo Nordisk Bio Innovation Hub, said in the statement. 

Like Novo’s other projects with Flagship, the venture capital firm behind Moderna., the Metaphore partnership will focus on early research that’s far from reaching patients. The Danish drugmaker is trying to broaden its pipeline of experimental medicines in order to fend off rivals in the fast-growing field of obesity drugs. 

Obesity is becoming a worldwide problem with more than 800 million adults living with the condition, and several drug companies are competing to come up with effective and durable medicines to treat the condition. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Novo Nordisk may pay up to USD 600m in upfront, development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on annual net sales of licensed products. It will also reimburse R&D costs and participate in a future financing round for Metaphore.