CNBC·2026-01-16 16:30Group 1: Market Performance - Shares of Novo Nordisk rose more than 5% following early prescription data indicating a strong start for the U.S. launch of its new GLP-1 pill for obesity [1] - The Wegovy pill had approximately 3,100 prescriptions filled in its first week, while Eli Lilly's Zepbound had around 1,300 prescriptions filled in its first week and about 8,000 in the second week [3] - According to Symphony data, around 4,290 prescriptions were filled for Novo Nordisk's pill during its first full week, compared to roughly 1,900 prescriptions for Zepbound in its first full week [4][5] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Novo Nordisk aims to regain market share from Eli Lilly in the obesity and diabetes drug market, with Eli Lilly currently holding the majority market share [2] - Analysts noted that the Wegovy pill is already outperforming its injectable counterparts at the same stage of their launch, assuming the Symphony data is accurate [6] - Eli Lilly is preparing to launch its own oral drug for obesity, orforglipron, which could shift demand dynamics in the coming months [7] Group 3: Product Characteristics - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy is a peptide medication with dietary restrictions, requiring no food or drink for 30 minutes after taking the pill with water, which may affect its uptake [8] - In contrast, Eli Lilly's upcoming pill is a small molecule drug without such dietary restrictions, potentially making it more appealing to consumers [8]