Novo Nordisk (OMXCOP:NOVO_B) is accelerating obesity play: EU cleared oral Wegovy after phase‑3 showed ~17% vs ~3% placebo, prescriptions surged vs rivals and shares rose, buybacks continue, UBS flags strong decade growth, but researchers warn frailty risks after ~6 months; Extensior launching in South Africa.
Previous Week Recap
- EU Approves Wegovy Oral Semaglutide: Novo Nordisk (NOVO_B): EU approved Wegovy oral semaglutide 25 mg daily for adults with obesity/overweight with comorbidity. Phase 3 showed ~17% mean weight loss vs ~3% placebo; discontinuation ~6.9%.
- Wegovy Prescriptions Led Competition: Week to July 3: Novo Nordisk (NOVO_B) saw about 153,050 Wegovy prescriptions vs 19,550 Foundayo. NOVO_B shares rose ~2% after the prescription data release.
- Novo Nordisk Buybacks Continue: Novo Nordisk (NOVO_B) is buying B shares under a DKK 11.2bn tranche through Feb 1, 2027. By Jul 10, 2026 it repurchased 23.98M B shares at DKK 272.45; 41.17M held.
- UBS: GLP-1 Obesity Beneficiary: Novo Nordisk (NOVO_B) flagged by UBS as a top GLP‑1 obesity market beneficiary, with strong growth outlook this decade and notable exposure to AI gains in healthcare.
- Frailty Risks With Semaglutide: Novo Nordisk (NOVO_B): researchers flagged frailty risks (malnutrition, dehydration, muscle loss) emerging after ~6 months with semaglutide; market overlap noted with other GLP‑1 obesity drugs.
- Extensior Launch In South Africa: Novo Nordisk to launch Extensior (semaglutide) in South Africa July 27 via Acino. Doses 0.25/0.5/1 mg, positioned as lower‑priced Ozempic alternative; pricing to be confirmed next week.
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