Novo Nordisk will establish a new obesity research unit in Seattle, Wash. The new unit is a result of Novo Nordisk's increasing focus on obesity. Its main task will be to identify novel approaches and targets for obesity treatments, while increasing the scientific understanding of existing obesity targets.

Dr. Kevin Grove will become head of the Novo Nordisk Obesity Research Unit in Seattle. Grove has experience in endocrinology, specializing in obesity and health-related quality of life. Previously, Grove was senior scientist at the Oregon Health and Science University, and founding division chief, division of diabetes, obesity and metabolism.

The Novo Nordisk Obesity Research Unit will initially employ around 10 people, supported by the current obesity research and corporate functions. When fully operational by the end of 2016, the unit is expected to employ about 60. Globally, 300 or so employees are working within obesity R&D at Novo Nordisk.

The Obesity Research Unit will be co-located with the Novo Nordisk Type 1 Diabetes Research Unit at the company's research center in Seattle, which opened in 2009.