(Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has sought additional information about a $16.5 billion deal by Novo Nordisk's parent to buy manufacturing subcontractor Catalent ( CTLT ).

The deal was announced in February and Novo Nordisk Foundation has since refiled its application to the U.S. FTC seeking regulatory approval for it.

Catalent ( CTLT ) in a regulatory filing on Friday said the companies were in the process of gathering information and documents to respond to FTC's request received on May 2 and intend to continue to cooperate with the regulator.

Catalent ( CTLT ) and Novo Holdings expect to close the deal towards the end of calendar year 2024.

Novo Holdings is the investment arm of Novo Nordisk's controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation.