Tag: NovoNordisk

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Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over weight-loss ads

Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against rival Eli Lilly, alleging that advertisements for its blockbuster weight-loss drugs contain misleading claims.

The Danish drugmaker argues that Eli Lilly compared its medicines with older doses of Novo Nordisk’s products, creating an unfair impression of superior effectiveness.

Novo Nordisk has asked the court to stop the advertisements and seek damages. Eli Lilly has defended its marketing, saying the claims are backed by scientific evidence and clinical trial data.

The legal battle highlights the fierce competition in the rapidly growing GLP-1, obesity drug and weight-loss treatment market.

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India clears Wegovy for fatty liver

India has approved Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. The decision marks an important step in expanding treatment options for patients with a condition that is becoming increasingly common because of rising obesity and diabetes rates.

The approval was granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), allowing doctors to prescribe Wegovy for eligible adults with MASH. The drug was already approved in India for chronic weight management. With the latest clearance, its use now extends beyond obesity treatment to include a serious liver disease that can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated.

MASH, previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, triggering inflammation and scarring. Over time, the disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer. Since symptoms often appear only in the later stages, many people remain unaware they have the condition until significant liver damage has already occurred.

Health experts say the approval comes at a crucial time for India, where lifestyle-related diseases are increasing rapidly. Rising obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders have contributed to a growing number of fatty liver disease cases, making MASH a significant public health concern.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite, slows digestion and reduces food intake, leading to sustained weight loss. Researchers have also found that the drug improves metabolic health, which may help reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression.

The expanded approval follows positive results from global clinical trials, where patients treated with Wegovy showed significant improvements in liver health. Studies found that many participants experienced reduced liver inflammation, while some also showed improvements in liver scarring. Researchers concluded that the treatment increased the likelihood of resolving MASH without worsening fibrosis, one of the key markers of advanced liver disease.

Medical experts believe the approval could benefit patients who have limited treatment options. Until now, doctors have mainly relied on lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, healthier diets and regular exercise to manage the disease. While these measures remain essential, maintaining long-term weight loss can be difficult for many patients, increasing the need for effective medicines.

Doctors, however, caution that Wegovy is not a substitute for healthy living. Patients prescribed the drug will still need to follow balanced diets, remain physically active and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor liver health and overall metabolic condition.

The approval also reflects growing recognition that obesity is linked to several serious health conditions beyond excess weight. In recent years, GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy have demonstrated benefits in managing obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and now fatty liver disease, making them an important part of modern metabolic care.

For Novo Nordisk, the expanded indication strengthens Wegovy’s position as one of the company’s flagship medicines. Demand for GLP-1 therapies has surged globally, with increasing interest from both patients and healthcare providers because of their effectiveness in treating multiple obesity-related conditions.

India’s decision is expected to provide fresh hope for thousands of patients living with advanced fatty liver disease. As awareness of MASH continues to grow, healthcare professionals believe early diagnosis, timely treatment and lifestyle changes will remain the most effective strategy for preventing severe liver complications.

With Wegovy now approved for fatty liver disease, doctors have another evidence-based treatment option to address one of India’s fastest-growing lifestyle-related health challenges. The move is expected to improve patient care while reinforcing the importance of tackling obesity and metabolic disorders before they lead to serious long-term complications.

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Novo Nordisk launches once-weekly insulin Awiqli in India

Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, in India, offering a new treatment option for people living with diabetes. The launch comes as the country continues to witness a steady rise in diabetes cases, increasing the need for innovative and patient-friendly therapies.

Awiqli is designed to help adults with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels with just one injection a week, compared with the daily injections required for conventional basal insulin. The company believes the reduced injection frequency could improve treatment adherence and make diabetes management easier for many patients.

India is home to one of the world’s largest diabetic populations, with millions of people requiring long-term insulin therapy. Healthcare experts say the burden of diabetes continues to grow because of lifestyle changes, ageing, urbanisation and genetic factors, making effective and convenient treatment options increasingly important.

Novo Nordisk said the once-weekly insulin has undergone extensive clinical evaluation and demonstrated blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin, while maintaining a well-established safety profile. The therapy is intended for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Medical experts believe reducing the number of injections may encourage more patients to remain consistent with their treatment, a key factor in controlling diabetes and preventing long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage and vision loss.

The launch also reflects Novo Nordisk’s continued focus on expanding its diabetes care portfolio in India, one of its fastest-growing markets. The company has been investing in advanced therapies as demand for better diabetes management solutions continues to increase.

Doctors have welcomed the introduction of the once-weekly insulin, saying it offers greater flexibility for patients who struggle with daily injections. However, they emphasised that treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with healthcare professionals, based on individual medical needs.

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Novo Nordisk sheds $50 bn as 2026 sales weak outlook

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical major behind popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, saw its market value drop by nearly $50 billion after it issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for 2026. The guidance raised concerns about slowing growth and led to a sharp sell-off in the company’s shares.

The company said it expects sales to fall between 5% and 13% in 2026, marking a significant slowdown after years of strong growth driven by global demand for obesity and diabetes treatments. The forecast came in well below market expectations and highlighted growing challenges in key markets, especially the United States.

Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk’s shares plunged about 16% on the Copenhagen exchange, while its US-listed stock fell more than 14%. The decline erased tens of billions of dollars in market capitalisation and marked one of the company’s steepest single-day losses in recent years.

Novo Nordisk attributed the weaker outlook mainly to pricing pressure in the US, where policy measures aimed at lowering drug costs are expected to impact revenues. The company is also facing intensifying competition, particularly from rival drugmaker Eli Lilly, which has gained momentum with its own obesity and diabetes medicines.

Another concern is the approaching patent expiries of some products in select international markets, which could open the door to cheaper alternatives and weigh on future sales. Together, these factors are expected to offset continued demand growth for GLP-1 drugs.

In its latest quarterly results, Novo Nordisk reported moderate performance. Sales of Wegovy rose by around 17% year-on-year, while Ozempic sales remained largely flat. Although the results broadly met expectations, investor focus remained firmly on the weaker forward guidance.

Company executives acknowledged that 2026 will be challenging but stressed confidence in the long-term outlook for obesity and diabetes care. Novo Nordisk said it will continue to invest in innovation, manage costs tightly and strengthen its product pipeline to protect growth over time.

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Novo Nordisk introduces cheaper Wegovy pill In US

Novo Nordisk has introduced the first oral version of its weight‑loss drug Wegovy in the United States, starting January 5, 2026, offering patients a convenient alternative to injectable treatments. The launch comes at a time of rising demand for obesity therapies and is priced significantly lower than existing injectables, triggering a price war in the U.S. market.

The oral pill is available in 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses at $149 per month, with insurance coverage potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs to $25 monthly. Higher doses, including 9 mg and 25 mg, are priced at $299 per month, while the 4 mg dose will increase to $199 in April. This pricing undercuts both Novo Nordisk’s own injectable Wegovy, which can cost over $1,000 per month, and rival products from Eli Lilly, including the injectable Zepbound and the oral candidate orforglipron, expected at roughly $346 per month.

Clinical trials indicate that patients taking the oral Wegovy experienced an average 17% reduction in body weight over 64 weeks, similar to results achieved with injectables. Novo Nordisk hopes the oral form will appeal to patients reluctant to use injections while expanding its share of the growing U.S. obesity treatment market.

The launch boosted Novo Nordisk’s shares, reflecting investor confidence that the lower-cost pill could strengthen the company’s market position. Analysts expect the new option to prompt further price competition and improve patient access, potentially reshaping the landscape of obesity drug pricing in the United States.

With this launch, Novo Nordisk is set to redefine the U.S. weight-loss drug market, offering a more convenient and affordable option to patients and intensifying competition in a sector increasingly focused on accessibility, effectiveness, and affordability.

Regulatory reviews in other countries, including the United Kingdom, are underway, and the pill may become available internationally later in 2026. Experts note that the oral Wegovy could accelerate the adoption of GLP-1 treatments, making effective obesity therapies more widely accessible while encouraging innovation among pharmaceutical competitors.

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FDA clears Wegovy pill, Novo Nordisk shares up 10%

The FDA has approved a pill version of the weight‑loss drug Wegovy, offering a simpler alternative to injections and sending shares of Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk higher. The approval was announced on December 23, 2025.

Novo Nordisk’s stock rose sharply, gaining nearly 10% in Frankfurt trading as investors welcomed the new treatment. US-listed shares also jumped in early trading.

The oral Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the injectable version. Taken once daily, it provides a convenient option for patients who prefer pills over weekly injections. This makes it the first FDA-approved GLP-1 weight-loss pill.

The company plans to launch the pill in the US early January 2026 at around $149 per month for the starting dose and is pursuing approvals in Europe and other markets. Novo Nordisk says it is well-prepared for supply, avoiding shortages that affected the injectable version’s launch.

Analysts believe the pill could expand access to obesity treatment, especially among adults hesitant about injections. However, competitors like Eli Lilly’s oral drug orforglipron, expected to launch in 2026, could narrow Novo Nordisk’s advantage.

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Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, cuts obesity drug price

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant, has announced a significant price reduction for its popular obesity drug, Wegovy, as it prepares to launch a pill version of the treatment. The move comes amid growing competition in the weight-loss market and aims to expand access for patients in the United States.

Starting immediately, cash-paying patients can buy Wegovy at $349 per month, down from the previous $499. For new users under select insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, the company is offering the injection at $149 per month for a limited time. The price cuts are part of a broader effort to make weight-loss medications more affordable and widely available.

The company’s CEO, Mike Doustdar, emphasized that the new strategy reflects how weight-loss treatments are increasingly being used by consumers rather than traditional patients. “Patients behave like consumers,” he said, “and we need to ensure treatments are accessible, convenient, and affordable.”

Novo Nordisk is also preparing to introduce an oral version of Wegovy, currently under review by U.S. regulators and expected to be approved by the end of the year. Unlike the injectable version, the pill form could appeal to people who prefer taking tablets over weekly injections. The company says it has sufficient supply to support a full launch.

The price reduction is linked to a new agreement with the U.S. government, under which Medicare could start covering obesity drugs like Wegovy in 2026. While the company expects this deal to slightly reduce its global sales growth, it sees it as essential to expanding patient access.

Competition in the weight-loss market is intensifying, particularly from Eli Lilly, which has also introduced semaglutide-based drugs. By reducing prices and offering an oral alternative, Novo Nordisk aims to maintain its leadership position in the sector.

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