Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk has demonstrated better-than-expected performance in the first half of the year, primarily driven by its star product Wegovy, despite a slowdown in the U.S. market affecting second-quarter profits [1][2][8]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Novo Nordisk reported revenues of 154.944 billion Danish Krone (approximately 22.854 billion USD), an 18% increase year-over-year [1][3]. - Operating profit reached 72.24 billion Danish Krone (approximately 10.4 billion USD), reflecting a 29% year-over-year growth [1][3]. - For the second quarter, the operating profit was 33.449 billion Danish Krone (approximately 4.8 billion USD), which fell short of market expectations [2][6]. Product Sales - Wegovy generated sales of 368.88 billion Danish Krone (approximately 54 billion USD) in the first half, marking a 78% increase year-over-year and accounting for 73% of total revenue [4][5]. - Sales of Ozempic reached 645.2 billion Danish Krone (approximately 95 billion USD), a 15% increase, while Rybelsus sales were 113.48 billion Danish Krone (approximately 16 billion USD), up 5% [5]. Market Outlook - The company has revised its full-year sales growth forecast from 13%-21% to 8%-14% and operating profit growth from 16%-24% to 10%-16% due to anticipated slowdowns in the second half of the year [8]. - The decline in sales performance is attributed to competition from "unsafe and illegal mass-produced generics" affecting Wegovy's cash payment channel sales [8]. Executive Changes - Maziar Mike Doustdar has been appointed as the new CEO, effective August 7, succeeding Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen [9][11]. - The board believes Doustdar is well-suited to lead the company into its next growth phase, emphasizing the need for enhanced commercial execution and efficiency [11].