Core Insights - The market is forward-looking, and investors who achieve better-than-average returns often identify overlooked opportunities by looking further into the future [1] Company Analysis: Novo Nordisk - Novo Nordisk has experienced a significant loss in market value due to increased competition in its primary therapeutic areas: diabetes and weight management [4] - The company is expected to receive approval for an oral version of its obesity therapy Wegovy within the next 12 months, which could be the first oral GLP-1 approved for weight management [5] - The oral formulation is advantageous as it is easier to store, transport, and manufacture, and is more patient-friendly compared to injections [5] - Wegovy has also gained approval for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), addressing a significant unmet medical need [6] - The success of Rezdiffra, which generated over $200 million in quarterly sales, suggests Wegovy could achieve similar success in the MASH market [7] - Novo Nordisk has several promising mid- and late-stage programs, including an investigational triple agonist that could enhance efficacy in diabetes and weight management [8] - New product launches and label expansions are expected to help Novo Nordisk maintain a strong market position [9] - The company is also developing another oral weight-loss medicine currently in phase 3 studies [10] Company Analysis: Merck - Merck is preparing for the future beyond the Keytruda patent expiration with new product launches and a promising pipeline [9]
2 Beaten-Down Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next Decade