Novo Nordisk flags flutter outside their office in Bagsvaerd, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 14, 2025.A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions.A closely watched pill from Novo Nordisk just scored an approval for another use: slashing cardiovascular risks.The step further confirms that highly popular GLP-1s, both oral and injectable versions, have oth ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is undergoing significant leadership changes, including the resignation of Chairman Helge Lund and a majority of the board, in response to internal disagreements and competitive pressures in the weight-loss drug market [1][2][6]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Helge Lund is stepping down as Chairman, to be replaced by Lars Rebien Sorensen, a former CEO of Novo Nordisk [1][2]. - More than half of the board members are set to depart, following a recent CEO change due to a decline in share performance [2][9]. - The Novo Nordisk Foundation, the largest shareholder, is pushing for immediate changes to support new CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar's strategy [3][6]. Group 2: Market Challenges - Novo Nordisk has fallen behind US competitor Eli Lilly in the weight-loss drug market, despite being a pioneer in this sector [4][5]. - The company is facing manufacturing issues in the US and increased competition from generic drugs, leading to a significant drop in share value [4][6][7]. - Novo's shares have decreased by 56% over the past year, reflecting investor concerns over the company's ability to adapt to market changes [7]. Group 3: Strategic Direction - New CEO Doustdar aims to implement a "performance culture" and plans to reduce the workforce by 11% to better align with market demands [4][6]. - The board's previous slow response to market changes has been criticized, with calls for a more agile approach to future business strategies [4][6]. - The upcoming extraordinary general meeting on November 14 will see the election of new board members, including former executives from Pfizer and Danske Bank [9][10].

The initial success of Ozempic initially made Novo Nordisk Europe’s most valuable company - David J. Phillip/AP The wealthy foundation behind Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk has seized control of the company in a boardroom coup after a row over the struggling group’s turnaround. On Monday, the pharmaceutical giant said chairman Helge Lund and six independent directors would resign and be replaced by a group hand-picked by its biggest shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The drugmaker, which makes the an ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's top investor, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, is taking control of the board to enhance focus on the U.S. market and revive sales of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, following the resignation of the current chair and six independent board members [1][2][3] Group 1 - The Novo Nordisk Foundation will propose Lars Rebien Sorensen, a former CEO, as the new chair for the next two to three years [2] - The outgoing board was criticized for being slow to adapt to changes in the U.S. market and for being overly cautious regarding management changes [3][5] - The foundation aims to restore sales and investor confidence after a significant drop in share prices, which fell over 40% this year due to increased competition from Eli Lilly [3][5] Group 2 - New CEO Mike Doustdar, who took over in August, is supported by the foundation and is implementing job cuts and a refocus on key markets [4] - The foundation proposed six new board members, all European, with five having extensive experience in pharmaceuticals and related industries [6] - The foundation's actions are part of a broader strategy to address pressures from U.S. drug pricing policies [5][6]

Novo Nordisk will replace chair Helge Lund and six independent directors next month in a major boardroom shakeup following a disagreement over strategy with its powerful controlling shareholder, Novo ... ...

Welcome back to Money Movers. A major shakeup today at Novo Nordisk. The chairman and vice chair along with five independent board members, all not standing for reelection at the company's extraordinary general meeting in November.This follows Novo shakeup of its top post back in May when the company ousted CEO and appointed a new CEO in August. Novo Nordis just wrapping up its investor conference call today. HSBC's Rajeskumar was on the call and joined us with his reaction.Uh I I'm just making a list of al ...

Welcome back to Money Movers. A major shakeup today at Novo Nordisk. The chairman and vice chair along with five independent board members, all not standing for reelection at the company's extraordinary general meeting in November.This follows Novo shakeup of its top post back in May when the company ousted CEO and appointed a new CEO in August. Novo Nordis just wrapping up its investor conference call today. HSBC's Rajeskumar was on the call and joined us with his reaction.Uh I I'm just making a list of al ...

The board turmoil represents a breakdown in relations between the company and its controlling shareholder. ...

PresentationGood day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Novo Nordisk to convene Extraordinary General Meeting Webcast and Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Jacob Rode, Head of IR. Please go ahead.Jacob Martin RodeHead of Investor Relations Thank you, and welcome to this conference call regarding the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting that was an ...

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk received FDA approval for Rybelsus to include cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with type II diabetes [1][6] - Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 therapy approved for lowering the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk T2D patients [2][6] - The approval is based on positive results from the phase IIIb SOUL study, which showed a 14% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events compared to placebo [6][8] Company Developments - Rybelsus was initially approved in 2019 for improving blood sugar control in adults with T2D [3] - The label expansion in the EU also reflects MACE risk reduction for adult T2D patients [3] - The SOUL study indicated that 12% of patients on Rybelsus experienced a CV event compared to 13.8% in the placebo group, resulting in a 2% absolute risk reduction at three years [8] Clinical Data - The SOUL study demonstrated a statistically significant 14% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events for Rybelsus [6][8] - Safety profile in the SOUL study was consistent with previous studies, with serious adverse events slightly lower in the Rybelsus group [9] - Gastrointestinal side effects and discontinuation rates due to adverse events were higher in the Rybelsus group compared to placebo [9] Future Prospects - Novo Nordisk is seeking approval for a 25 mg oral formulation of semaglutide (Wegovy pill) for obesity and cardiovascular disease [11] - The company is also pursuing label expansion for Ozempic in treating peripheral artery disease in the U.S. and EU [11] - By broadening indications and introducing new formulations, Novo Nordisk aims to reinforce semaglutide's role in diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases [12]