COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk (NVO, NOVO-B.CO) lowered its full-year profit and sales forecast on Wednesday in an early blow to the Danish drugmaker's new CEO while it strives to claw back lost ground in a fierce obesity drug market battle. The Danish drugmaker is going through a tumultuous period marked by a sharp share price plunge and slowing sales growth, which have prompted a change of CEO and a board shake-up. Shares rose over 2% in Copenhagen and in New York before the bell on We ...

Core Viewpoint - The focus is shifting towards high-stakes price negotiations between obesity drug manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk and U.S. President Donald Trump as they prepare to release their third-quarter results [1] Company Insights - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are major players in the obesity drug market, indicating their significant role in the healthcare industry [1] - The upcoming third-quarter results are highly anticipated by investors, reflecting the importance of these companies in the current market landscape [1] Industry Context - The ongoing price talks with the U.S. government highlight the increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressures faced by pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the obesity treatment sector [1] - The outcome of these negotiations could have substantial implications for pricing strategies and market dynamics within the obesity drug industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly's positive aspects, particularly strong sales from its diabetes drug Mounjaro and expectations for its obesity drug Zepbound, outweigh the negatives despite a significant share price decline over the past 14 months [1][2]. Company Performance - Eli Lilly became the largest healthcare company globally by market cap but has seen its share price drop over 20% since its peak in August 2025 [2]. - Recent quarterly updates have been disappointing, with lowered earnings outlooks and lower-than-expected sales for Mounjaro and Zepbound [4]. Market Competition - Increasing competition in the obesity drug market has raised investor concerns, particularly following Roche's positive clinical results for its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist CT-996 [3]. Clinical Trials - Results from a pivotal phase 3 study for orforglipron showed a placebo-adjusted weight loss of 11.5%, which did not meet analysts' expectations, and a treatment discontinuation rate of 10.3% due to adverse events [5]. Regulatory Environment - Potential tariffs on pharmaceutical imports proposed by the Trump administration could negatively impact Eli Lilly and the broader industry, as noted by the company's CEO [6]. Analyst Sentiment - Despite challenges, Wall Street remains optimistic, with 20 out of 28 analysts rating Lilly as a "buy" or "strong buy," and no "sell" recommendations in the latest survey [8]. - The average 12-month price target suggests an upside potential of around 19%, with some analysts projecting increases of up to 59% [9]. Future Outlook - Mounjaro and Zepbound are expected to have significant sales growth potential, particularly Mounjaro, which shows promise in delivering cardiovascular benefits [10]. - There is confidence in orforglipron's commercial success despite concerns from clinical results, as there is demand for effective oral medications among overweight individuals [11]. - Recent insider buying by executives indicates a high level of confidence in the company's future [12].

Core Insights - Novo Nordisk has ousted CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen due to concerns over losing its first-mover advantage in the competitive obesity drug market [1] - The company cut its sales and profit forecast for the first time since the launch of Wegovy four years ago, despite Jorgensen's prediction of a return to growth in the U.S. market [1][5] - Novo's share price has significantly declined, dropping 32% year-to-date and 59% from its all-time high [6] Company Performance - Under Jorgensen's leadership, Novo Nordisk became a leader in the weight-loss drug market, with significant sales growth from Wegovy and Ozempic [8] - However, competition from Eli Lilly has intensified, with Eli Lilly's Zepbound surpassing Wegovy in U.S. prescriptions since mid-March [5][14] - Novo's market value has halved from a peak of $615 billion in June last year to approximately $310 billion [14] Leadership Changes - Novo's chairman Helge Lund reassured analysts that the company's strategy remains intact despite the leadership change [2] - Discussions regarding Jorgensen's replacement had been ongoing for weeks, and he will remain until a successor is found [4] - Former CEO Lars Rebien Sorensen will join the board as an observer, aiming for a seat at the next annual general meeting [15]

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen is stepping down due to recent market challenges, with the company facing increased competition in the obesity drug market and disappointing trial results for next-generation treatments [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will remain in his position temporarily to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership, with a search for a replacement currently ongoing [2]. - Following the announcement of the CEO's departure, Novo Nordisk's shares fell by 1.8% [2]. Group 2: Market Challenges - Novo Nordisk's share price has been negatively impacted over the past year due to heightened competition in the obesity drug market [3]. - The company has also faced disappointing trial results for its next-generation treatments, contributing to the challenges it is currently experiencing [3]. Group 3: Company Strategy - Despite the leadership change and market challenges, Novo Nordisk's Chairman Helge Lund stated that the company's strategy remains unchanged, and the Board is confident in its current business plans and execution capabilities [3].