After experiencing significant declines earlier in the week, Novo Nordisk shares surged dramatically on Thursday, posting gains of up to 5% at one point. This powerful recovery stems from three simultaneous positive developments: the submission of a high-dose Wegovy formulation for U.S. approval, encouraging trial results for an oral weight-loss medication, and more favorable-than-expected Medicare pricing negotiations.
Medicare Pricing Agreement: Better Than Anticipated
Washington delivered welcome news as the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Novo Nordisk established a “Maximum Fair Price” for Ozempic and Wegovy. The agreed price of $274 per month represents a substantial 71% discount from the current list price of approximately $959.
While the discount appears dramatic, market analysts view the outcome positively. BMO Capital described the settlement as “better than feared,” noting that the new pricing won’t take effect until January 2027. This extended timeline, combined with anticipated volume expansion as millions of previously excluded Medicare patients gain access, suggests the company may successfully employ a volume-over-price strategy to offset revenue impacts.
High-Potency Wegovy Challenges Market Leader
In a strategic move to strengthen its competitive position, Novo Nordisk has submitted a 7.2 mg formulation of Wegovy to the FDA – nearly triple the current standard maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. The company is utilizing a Priority Review Voucher, potentially shortening the regulatory decision timeline to just one or two months.
Clinical evidence from the Phase 3 STEP UP trial demonstrates compelling efficacy: obesity patients achieved average weight reduction of 20.7% over 72 weeks, significantly surpassing the 17.5% reduction observed with the standard dosage. Approximately one-third of participants experienced even more dramatic results, losing 25% or more of their body weight. These findings position Novo Nordisk closer to the effectiveness profile of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, currently regarded as the most potent available treatment.
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Oral Treatment Candidate Shows Promise
The third positive development came from Novo Nordisk’s pipeline, with encouraging Phase 2 data for Amycretin, an innovative oral weight-loss pill. In Type 2 diabetes patients, the medication produced 14.5% weight reduction over 36 weeks. The company has announced plans to initiate a comprehensive Phase 3 program in 2026.
This oral GLP-1/amylin dual agonist represents a potential breakthrough in treatment delivery. While current blockbuster medications Wegovy and Ozempic require injection, a daily tablet formulation could prove substantially more appealing to many patients.
Recovery Following Alzheimer’s Setback
Thursday’s rally establishes crucial support after shares plummeted 6-9% earlier in the week. That decline was triggered by news that oral semaglutid failed to slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in two Phase 3 trials (EVOKE and EVOKE+).
The market’s positive response indicates investors are refocusing on the core obesity and diabetes businesses, where fundamentals remain strong. The Alzheimer’s program had generally been viewed by analysts as more of a speculative venture than a valuation cornerstone.
Against this backdrop of developments, Novo Nordisk shares currently trade at €41.65 – substantially below their 52-week high exceeding €106. However, with potential FDA approval for the 7.2 mg Wegovy formulation expected in the first quarter of 2026 and Amycretin Phase 3 trials on the horizon, significant catalysts appear forthcoming.
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