Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy shows a significant advantage over Eli Lilly's tirzepatide in reducing heart attack, stroke, or death risk among patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease, which is a positive development for the company amid challenges in the U.S. market [1][2]. Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - Continued use of Wegovy led to a 57% greater reduction in the risk of heart-related events compared to tirzepatide [2]. - The study results are based on real-world data rather than a randomized control trial, with low event rates of 0.1% for Wegovy users and 0.4% for tirzepatide users [3]. - The findings suggest that the heart-protective benefits are specific to the semaglutide molecule and may not apply to other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based treatments [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The weight loss drug market has seen significant growth, attracting investor interest in leading medications and potential challengers [5]. - Recent trial data has influenced share price movements, with Novo Nordisk shares rising approximately 3% following the announcement [6]. - Analysts view the heart disease data as a potential game changer for Novo Nordisk, although caution is advised regarding the competitive landscape [7]. Group 3: Company Challenges - Novo Nordisk has faced a decline in U.S. market share, with share prices dropping 10.6% in 2024 and 40% in 2025 to date [10]. - The company is navigating uncertainties related to U.S. drug pricing policies and competition from copycat treatments [11][13]. - Denmark has revised its economic growth forecast, partly due to expectations of reduced growth for Novo Nordisk [14]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Analysts have noted that growth for Wegovy may begin to plateau, particularly with the presence of competing products and the performance of Eli Lilly's Zepbound [16].

Group 1 - European stock markets experienced a slight increase, with the healthcare sector being a major support factor [1] - Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy demonstrated superior heart protection effects compared to Eli Lilly's competing products, leading to a nearly 3% rise in its stock price [1] - Wegovy was shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death by 57% compared to Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound [1] Group 2 - The defense sector in Europe also performed well, with a 1.2% increase, driven by a significant contract announcement from Norway to procure new frigates from the UK, valued at approximately £10 billion (about $13.51 billion) [1]

Group 1 - The core finding of the study presented by Novo Nordisk at the ESC Congress is that semaglutide 2.4mg significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death or all-cause mortality by 57% in overweight or obese patients with cardiovascular disease compared to Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drug tirzepatide [1] - Novo Nordisk's semaglutide is the only GLP-1 drug confirmed to have cardiovascular benefits in obese patients with cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, indicating a more pronounced cardiovascular benefit in real-world settings compared to previous clinical trials [3] - Eli Lilly's recent data on the oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron shows clinical benefits in key cardiovascular risk factors, with plans to submit for obesity treatment approval, although no clear cardiovascular indication has been approved for their GLP-1 drugs yet [3] Group 2 - The focus on weight loss, blood pressure reduction, and lipid lowering remains prominent in the industry, with significant research results presented by companies like AstraZeneca and Merck at the ESC Congress [3] - AstraZeneca's phase III trial data for Baxdrostat offers a new treatment option for difficult-to-control hypertension, while Merck presented real-world evidence and clinical trial data on various severe cardiovascular diseases [3] - LDL-C remains the primary target for lipid treatment, with ongoing research into small nucleic acid drugs targeting Lp(a) and new drug developments focusing on triglycerides also being highlighted as areas of interest [4]

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's recent STEER study data shows that semaglutide (Wegovy) significantly reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 29% compared to tirzepatide in overweight or obese patients with cardiovascular disease but without diabetes [1][2] - In the ideal clinical scenario of continuous medication, semaglutide demonstrates a remarkable 57% risk reduction, highlighting its superior efficacy in preventing MACE for high-risk populations [1][4] - The study expands the application of GLP-1 drugs from diabetes management to cardiovascular disease prevention, potentially opening a vast market for semaglutide [2][5] Market Dynamics - The STEER study positions semaglutide as a new gold standard for cardiovascular protection, creating a strong competitive moat for Novo Nordisk [5][6] - The global market for obesity and cardiovascular disease is substantial, with millions of patients potentially benefiting from semaglutide, indicating a significant growth opportunity [2][5] - Novo Nordisk's sales for the first half of 2025 reached 154.9 billion Danish kroner (approximately $22.3 billion), with a notable 56% increase in obesity care sales [7] Competitive Landscape - Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, while previously seen as having dual-target advantages in glucose control and weight loss, now faces pressure to demonstrate cardiovascular outcomes to remain competitive [5][8] - Eli Lilly reported a 41% revenue increase in the first half of 2025, driven largely by its GLP-1/GIP dual-target agent tirzepatide, which generated $14.7 billion in sales [8] - Future competition will focus on comprehensive benefits beyond weight loss, including cardiovascular protection and kidney benefits, with an emphasis on patient adherence and experience [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's stock price increased by over 3% following a real-world study on heart disease, where its drug Wegovy outperformed Eli Lilly's Zepbound [1] Company Summary - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy demonstrated superior results in a study focused on heart disease compared to Eli Lilly's Zepbound, contributing to the rise in its stock price [1]

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) between May 7, 2025 and July 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important September 30, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHA ...

Group 1 - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy shows significant advantages in reducing the risk of severe cardiovascular events, with a 57% reduction in risk compared to Eli Lilly's Zepbound [1] - The STEER study, based on data from over 20,000 cardiovascular disease patients aged 45 and above, confirms the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 drugs for non-diabetic obese patients [1] - The average follow-up period for the Wegovy group was 8.3 months, while the Zepbound group had 8.6 months, indicating sustained effects of the drugs in real-world applications [1] Group 2 - Wegovy is approved in the US and EU not only for obesity treatment but also for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in overweight or obese adults with cardiovascular disease [2] - The study data may further solidify Wegovy's leading position in the GLP-1 weight loss drug market and provide new treatment options for millions of obese patients with cardiovascular disease globally [2]

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk presented data from the STEER real-world study at the ESC Congress 2025, highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) compared to tirzepatide in patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) without diabetes [1][4]. Group 1: Study Findings - Wegovy demonstrated a significant 57% greater risk reduction for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death compared to tirzepatide in patients without treatment gaps exceeding 30 days [2][8]. - In all treated individuals, Wegovy showed a 29% risk reduction for heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause compared to tirzepatide over an average follow-up of 8.3 months for Wegovy and 8.6 months for tirzepatide [3][8]. - The STEER study adds to the evidence that the heart-protective benefits of Wegovy are specific to the semaglutide molecule and not applicable to other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based treatments [8]. Group 2: Study Design and Population - The STEER study was a retrospective, observational study evaluating the efficacy of Wegovy versus tirzepatide for preventing MACE in US adults aged 45 and older with overweight or obesity and established CVD without prior diabetes [6][7]. - The study included 10,625 individuals in each treatment group, with researchers using propensity score matching to ensure comparability between Wegovy and tirzepatide users [7]. Group 3: Context of Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of disability and death globally, with nearly 21 million deaths annually. Obesity significantly contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [5]. - Despite a decrease in overall cardiovascular mortality over the past two decades, obesity-related cardiovascular deaths have risen, with two-thirds of such deaths linked to CVD [5].

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk presented data from the STEER study, showing that Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4 mg) significantly reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to tirzepatide in patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) without diabetes [1][3][4] Group 1: Study Findings - Wegovy® demonstrated a 57% greater risk reduction for heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death in patients who adhered to treatment compared to tirzepatide, with 0.1% of events recorded for Wegovy® and 0.4% for tirzepatide [1][3] - In all treated individuals, regardless of treatment gaps, Wegovy® showed a 29% risk reduction for heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause compared to tirzepatide [1][3] - The STEER study adds to the evidence that the cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy® are specific to the semaglutide molecule and not applicable to other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based treatments [3] Group 2: Study Design and Population - The STEER study was a retrospective, observational study evaluating the efficacy of Wegovy® versus tirzepatide for preventing MACE in US adults aged 45 and older with obesity and established CVD without prior diabetes [2][4] - The study included 10,625 participants in each treatment group, with propensity score matching used to ensure comparability between Wegovy® and tirzepatide users [2][4] Group 3: Context of Obesity and CVD - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with nearly 21 million deaths annually, and obesity significantly contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [2] - Despite a decrease in overall cardiovascular mortality, obesity-related cardiovascular deaths have risen, with two-thirds of such deaths linked to CVD [2]

Core Viewpoint - Recent clinical results have led to new considerations regarding the prospects of oral weight loss medications, with concerns raised about their effectiveness compared to injectable formulations [4][5]. Injectable Drugs Remain Dominant - By 2030, oral therapies are expected to capture about 25% of the global anti-obesity drug market, but injectable peptides are likely to maintain dominance in the U.S. market due to patient and physician preferences for maximum weight loss [5]. - William Blair predicts that 80-90% of Viking's VK2735 revenue will come from subcutaneous injections, with oral formulations contributing relatively little [5]. Advantages of Oral Small Molecules - In developing countries with inadequate infrastructure, oral small molecules may have advantages as they do not require cold chain storage, making them easier to distribute and consume [6]. Clinical Results and Benchmark Discrepancies - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide injection) has set a benchmark for weight loss at 12-13% placebo-adjusted weight loss, while Eli Lilly's orforglipron only achieved 9.1% after 72 weeks, leading to a significant stock price drop [7][10]. - VK2735 showed a 10.9% placebo-adjusted weight loss in 13 weeks, but high patient dropout rates raise concerns about tolerability [10]. Competition Between Small Molecules and Peptides - Key candidates include Novo Nordisk's high-dose oral semaglutide, Eli Lilly's orforglipron, and Viking's oral VK2735, with differences in manufacturing, storage, and usage impacting market performance [11]. - Novo Nordisk's high-dose oral semaglutide demonstrated an average weight loss of 16.6%, maintaining strong market interest [11]. Data Interpretation and Trial Duration Differences - Analysts caution against direct comparisons between trials due to varying durations; VK2735's data covers only 13 weeks, while others span longer periods [12]. - Early data should not be directly compared to long-term results, as weight loss efficacy often stabilizes after 30 weeks [12]. Market Dynamics and Future Competition - The industry is closely monitoring whether oral therapies can truly change market dynamics, with Novo Nordisk leading in efficacy and supply capabilities [14]. - Eli Lilly plans to submit a registration application for orforglipron within the year, while Viking is exploring further development paths [14]. Conclusion - The emergence of oral weight loss medications adds a new dimension to the anti-obesity market, but injectable formulations remain the core choice in developed markets [15]. - The ultimate market dynamics will depend on efficacy, tolerability, and patient adherence as more competitors enter the field [15].