NVO Stock Rises on Upbeat Phase III Data for Cagrilintide in Obesity

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk (NVO) announced positive data from a sub-analysis of its phase III REDEFINE 1 study on cagrilintide, showing significant weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes [1][6][8] Company Developments - Cagrilintide, a next-generation injectable long-acting amylin analogue, demonstrated an average body weight reduction of 11.8% (12.5 kg) compared to 2.3% (2.5 kg) with placebo after 68 weeks [3][6] - The sub-analysis indicated that 31.6% of patients treated with cagrilintide achieved at least 15% weight loss, while only 4.7% in the placebo group did [3][4] - Novo Nordisk plans to launch a dedicated phase III RENEW obesity program for cagrilintide in Q4 2025 [6][8] Market Context - The obesity market is projected to expand to $100 billion by 2030, intensifying competition among major players like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk [15] - Eli Lilly's tirzepatide-based drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, have rapidly gained market share, generating combined sales of $14.7 billion in the first half of 2025 [12][11] - Novo Nordisk is actively developing next-generation obesity candidates and pursuing licensing deals to strengthen its pipeline, including the acquisition of Inversago Pharmaceuticals and a $2.2 billion deal with Septerna [14][13] Competitive Landscape - Other companies, such as Amgen and Viking Therapeutics, are also advancing their GLP-1-based candidates, contributing to the competitive dynamics in the obesity treatment market [15][16][17]