Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-10-23 23:55Core Insights - Novo Nordisk's board, including Chairman Helge Lund and six directors, will collectively resign after failing to reach an agreement with the controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, regarding the future composition of the board [1][2][3] - The company has faced significant challenges, including a stock price decline of over 50% in the past year, resulting in a market capitalization drop from over $500 billion to $237 billion, equating to a loss of approximately $278 billion [2][3] - The company has announced a major restructuring plan, including a workforce reduction of 9,000 employees, which represents about 11.5% of its total workforce, as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and cost management [7] Company Developments - The resignation of the board members is part of a broader governance issue, with the board advocating for continuity and the foundation pushing for a more extensive reorganization [2][3] - The former CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, was dismissed in May 2023 after over eight years in the role, with his compensation for 2023 reported at approximately 68.2 million Danish Kroner (around $9.52 million) [3][4] - The new CEO, Mike Doustdar, took over in August 2023, following the leadership change [3] Market Challenges - Novo Nordisk's flagship weight loss drug, semaglutide, has faced increasing competition from Eli Lilly's tirzepatide and other emerging products, leading to pressure on sales and market share [4][5] - The company reported sales of semaglutide totaling 112.76 billion Danish Kroner (approximately $16.63 billion) in the first half of the year, surpassing Merck's Keytruda sales [5][6] - The expiration of key patents and the anticipated entry of generic competitors in 2026 are expected to further intensify competition in the market [5][6] Financial Outlook - Novo Nordisk has revised its 2025 sales growth forecast down from 13%-21% to 8%-14%, and its operating profit growth forecast from 16%-24% to 10%-16% [7] - The company aims to save approximately 8 billion Danish Kroner (around $1.26 billion) annually through the restructuring efforts [7]