Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's drug semaglutide has achieved significant sales growth, surpassing Merck's Keytruda in Q1 2025, marking a potential shift in the global pharmaceutical sales landscape [1][6]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In Q1 2025, semaglutide generated sales of 55.776 billion Danish Krone, approximately 7.864 billion USD, representing a year-on-year growth of 32.17% [1]. - Semaglutide accounted for about 71% of Novo Nordisk's total revenue, highlighting its critical role in the company's financial performance [1]. - In comparison, Merck's Keytruda reported sales of 7.2 billion USD, with a growth of 4% during the same period [1]. Group 2: Product Breakdown - Novo Nordisk's diabetes segment remains its core business, contributing 55.044 billion Danish Krone, over 70% of total revenue in Q1 2025 [3]. - The sales of the injectable Ozempic reached 32.721 billion Danish Krone (approximately 4.613 billion USD), growing by 15% year-on-year [4]. - Oral Rybelsus achieved sales of 5.695 billion Danish Krone (about 803 million USD), with a year-on-year increase of 13% [4]. - The weight management product Wegovy saw a remarkable growth of 83%, reaching 17.36 billion Danish Krone (approximately 2.448 billion USD) [4]. Group 3: Market Distribution - The United States remains Novo Nordisk's largest single market, contributing 44.316 billion Danish Krone (approximately 6.249 billion USD) in revenue, a 17% increase [4]. - The Chinese market showed strong growth, with Q1 2025 revenue of 5.622 billion Danish Krone (approximately 793 million USD), reflecting a 22% year-on-year increase [4][5]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Novo Nordisk is accelerating the expansion and upgrade of the semaglutide product line in anticipation of a key patent expiration in March 2026 [5]. - The company is exploring new indications, including cardiovascular protection, and developing oral formulations to meet competitive challenges [5]. - Novo Nordisk has completed key clinical trials for its next-generation obesity treatment CagriSema and submitted a market application for an oral semaglutide formulation for obesity treatment [5].