2 Pharmaceutical Growth Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's shares fell nearly 20% after disappointing results from a phase 3 study of its weight-loss drug candidate, CagriSema, but this does not significantly alter the company's long-term prospects [1][13] - Eli Lilly continues to innovate, with its weight loss drug Zepbound receiving FDA approval for treating obstructive sleep apnea, which is expected to boost sales further [2][10] - Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in weight loss therapies, and are expected to maintain growth [9] Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly's sales grew by 20% year over year to $11.4 billion in the third quarter, driven by Zepbound and Mounjaro [10] - The company has a strong pipeline, including promising weight loss candidates like retatrutide and a once-weekly insulin product, as well as developments in oncology and rare diseases [5][6] - Eli Lilly has tripled its dividend over the past decade, indicating strong financial health and commitment to returning value to shareholders [11] Novo Nordisk - CagriSema showed a mean weight loss of 22.7% after 68 weeks, outperforming semaglutide alone and placebo, although it fell short of management's expectations of 25% [7][13] - Novo Nordisk holds a 33.9% share of the diabetes care market, an increase from 33.3% the previous year, and is diversifying its product offerings [8] - The company is also developing therapies for rare blood disorders, indicating a broadening of its therapeutic focus beyond GLP-1 drugs [14]