Why Novo Nordisk stock is rocketing

Group 1 - Novo Nordisk shares experienced a significant surge in pre-market and after-hours trading following U.S. regulatory approval for the first GLP-1 weight-loss pill, marking a pivotal change in the obesity drug market [1][4] - The approval provides Novo Nordisk with a first-mover advantage over competitors like Eli Lilly, which is still awaiting approval for its own oral GLP-1 treatment [4] - The introduction of an effective pill alternative addresses major barriers to the adoption of injectable therapies, potentially increasing patient access and accelerating uptake in the U.S. pharmaceutical market [4] Group 2 - Novo Nordisk plans to start U.S. distribution of the weight-loss pill in early January 2026, with a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams priced at $149 per month for cash-paying patients [5] - The pricing strategy is designed to align with growing political and regulatory pressure to reduce drug costs, which may enhance market penetration beyond insured patients and support volume growth [6] - The approval of the oral GLP-1 pill revitalizes investor interest in Novo's obesity franchise, as the company seeks to expand its offerings beyond injectable treatments [7]