Disappointing adjustments: Pharmaceutical conglomerate Novo Nordisk lowers expected profit projections
Novo Nordisk, a renowned Danish drugmaker, has announced a revision in its full-year 2025 earnings forecasts. The company, known for its diabetes and weight-loss treatments Ozempic and Wegovy, now expects sales growth of 8-14% and operating profit growth of 10-16%, down from previous forecasts of 13-21% and 16-24%, respectively [1][2][3].
The stalled growth in key GLP-1 drug markets is a significant factor behind this revision. Novo Nordisk faces persistent use of unsafe, compounded GLP-1 drugs in the U.S., particularly counterfeit semaglutide products that continue to circulate despite the FDA's mass compounding grace period ending in May 2025. This undermines Wegovy's uptake as patients opt for cheaper or unauthorized versions, impacting Novo Nordisk's market penetration [2].
Wegovy has also experienced lower penetration in both cash-paying and insured patient channels, and its adoption internationally in some obesity markets is slower than anticipated. Ozempic faces mounting competitive pressure in the U.S. diabetes market, notably from rivals like Eli Lilly [2][3].
The largest segment for Wegovy, the U.S. obesity market, is also experiencing reduced growth expectations, significantly affecting overall sales forecasts [2][3]. Additionally, operating profit growth is affected by costs related to Novo Nordisk's acquisition of three former Catalent manufacturing sites, expected to reduce profit growth by a mid-single-digit percentage [1][2].
To combat these issues, Novo Nordisk is pursuing litigation and regulatory actions against counterfeit semaglutide sales to protect patients and preserve market share [2]. Despite efforts such as partnerships with NovoCare Pharmacy and telehealth providers to boost Wegovy uptake, growth remains limited [2].
In a bid to address these challenges, Novo Nordisk has announced a new chief executive. The new CEO will be tasked with addressing the issues in the key U.S. pharmaceutical market [4].
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[1] Novo Nordisk lowers full-year 2025 earnings forecasts. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-lowers-full-year-2025-earnings-forecasts-2025-06-01/
[2] Novo Nordisk cuts full-year earnings forecast on weaker GLP-1 drug sales. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novo-nordisk-cuts-full-year-earnings-forecast-on-weaker-glp-1-drug-sales
[3] Novo Nordisk lowers 2025 sales, profit growth forecasts. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/2025/06/01/novo-nordisk-lowers-2025-sales-profit-growth-forecasts/
[4] Novo Nordisk appoints new CEO to tackle recent market challenges. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-appoints-new-ceo-tackle-recent-market-challenges-2025-06-01/
Artificial counterfeit semaglutide products in the U.S. news industry have impacted Novo Nordisk's finance and business, causing a revision in the company's earnings forecast for 2025. The art of litigation and regulatory actions is being employed by Novo Nordisk to protect patients, preserve market share, and combat these industry challenges.
