Novo Nordisk(US:NVO) 新浪财经·2025-10-24 10:09Core Viewpoint - The announcement by Novo Nordisk regarding the collective resignation of its chairman and six board members has shocked the global pharmaceutical industry, highlighting internal governance issues and increasing competitive pressures in the market [2][4]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Novo Nordisk's chairman Helge Lund and six board members will not seek re-election at the special shareholders' meeting on November 14 due to a lack of consensus with the controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, on the future composition of the board [4][5]. - The company has experienced significant leadership changes this year, including the dismissal of CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen in May after over eight years in the role, attributed to market challenges and stock price volatility [5][6]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Position - Novo Nordisk's sales of the weight-loss drug semaglutide reached 112.76 billion Danish kroner (approximately 16.63 billion USD) in the first half of the year, surpassing Merck's Keytruda sales [7]. - However, the company faces increasing competition from Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, which generated sales of 14.73 billion USD in the same period, and is expected to face further competition from generic versions of semaglutide after its core patent expires in 2026 [8][9]. Group 3: Restructuring and Cost-Cutting Measures - In response to financial pressures, Novo Nordisk announced a global restructuring plan that includes laying off 9,000 employees, approximately 11.5% of its workforce, marking a rare occurrence in the company's history [9][11]. - The company aims to save 8 billion Danish kroner (about 1.26 billion USD) annually through this restructuring, which is intended to streamline operations and enhance decision-making speed [11]. - Novo Nordisk has revised its 2025 performance expectations downward twice this year, with projected sales growth reduced from 13%-21% to 8%-14% and operating profit growth from 16%-24% to 10%-16% [11].