Novo expects sales will drop in 2026 amid rising competition
Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk expects annual sales to decline by up to 13% in 2026 despite signs that its new Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 to come to market, is having strong early uptake.
The pharmaceutical giant gave an early look at its outlook for 2026, with complete results scheduled for Wednesday morning. The Danish drugmaker said it expects sales will fall by 5% to 13%.
Novo fell by 10% shortly after the release.
The company said the outlook is based on “current growth trends, including continued volume penetration from GLP-1 treatments and market expansion, mainly within obesity, as well as intensifying competition and negative impacts from the compound patent expiry of the semaglutide molecule in certain markets.”
While Novo was first to the GLP-1 market, it faces fierce competition from Eli Lilly, which has now passed it in sales. Lilly also has an oral GLP-1 expected to come to market later this year.
Novo fell by 10% shortly after the release.
The company said the outlook is based on “current growth trends, including continued volume penetration from GLP-1 treatments and market expansion, mainly within obesity, as well as intensifying competition and negative impacts from the compound patent expiry of the semaglutide molecule in certain markets.”
While Novo was first to the GLP-1 market, it faces fierce competition from Eli Lilly, which has now passed it in sales. Lilly also has an oral GLP-1 expected to come to market later this year.
