Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk ousts CEO amid plunging share price as rival Eli Lilly gains market share

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk has ousted CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen due to concerns over losing its first-mover advantage in the competitive obesity drug market [1] - The company cut its sales and profit forecast for the first time since the launch of Wegovy four years ago, despite Jorgensen's prediction of a return to growth in the U.S. market [1][5] - Novo's share price has significantly declined, dropping 32% year-to-date and 59% from its all-time high [6] Company Performance - Under Jorgensen's leadership, Novo Nordisk became a leader in the weight-loss drug market, with significant sales growth from Wegovy and Ozempic [8] - However, competition from Eli Lilly has intensified, with Eli Lilly's Zepbound surpassing Wegovy in U.S. prescriptions since mid-March [5][14] - Novo's market value has halved from a peak of $615 billion in June last year to approximately$310 billion [14] Leadership Changes - Novo's chairman Helge Lund reassured analysts that the company's strategy remains intact despite the leadership change [2] - Discussions regarding Jorgensen's replacement had been ongoing for weeks, and he will remain until a successor is found [4] - Former CEO Lars Rebien Sorensen will join the board as an observer, aiming for a seat at the next annual general meeting [15]