Novo Nordisk Rallies on Oral Wegovy's Cardiovascular Benefits
New data from ObesityWeek 2025 shows the pill version of its blockbuster drug reduces key heart risk factors, boosting its competitive stance against rivals.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) saw its shares climb in active trading after the Danish pharmaceutical giant presented compelling new data demonstrating that its oral version of Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, significantly reduces cardiovascular risk factors.
The findings, unveiled at the ObesityWeek® 2025 conference, provide a critical boost to the drugmaker's efforts to dominate the fiercely competitive global obesity market. According to a company announcement released Monday, the 25 mg oral semaglutide pill showed a safety and efficacy profile comparable to its widely used injectable counterpart.
For Novo Nordisk, a company with a market capitalization exceeding $216 billion, the development of a successful oral therapy is a strategic imperative. An effective pill offers a more convenient alternative for patients averse to injections, potentially expanding the market and creating a defensive moat against rivals, most notably Eli Lilly's Zepbound.
Data Reinforces Clinical Profile
Diving into the specifics, a new analysis from the OASIS 4 trial revealed that the oral treatment led to greater improvements in key health markers compared to a placebo. Patients taking the pill saw significant reductions in glycemic indicators like HbA1c, as well as cardiovascular risk factors including C-reactive protein and serum triglycerides. These results are crucial as they move the conversation around GLP-1 drugs beyond simple weight loss to encompass broader metabolic and cardiovascular health benefits.
"Participants treated with oral semaglutide 25 mg were more likely to achieve 15% or more body weight reduction," the company stated, noting that patients reaching this threshold experienced larger improvements in blood pressure and lipid levels. This dual benefit of substantial weight loss paired with tangible cardiovascular risk reduction strengthens the clinical case for the drug's adoption by both physicians and insurers.
The Competitive Landscape
The positive data arrives at a critical juncture in the so-called "obesity drug race." Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are locked in a battle for market share, with both companies struggling to meet soaring demand for their injectable GLP-1 therapies. The introduction of a high-efficacy oral option could be a significant differentiator for Novo Nordisk.
Analysts have noted that while Eli Lilly is also developing oral alternatives, Novo's progress with semaglutide gives it a potential first-mover advantage in the oral segment. The data showing comparable efficacy between its oral and injectable forms could streamline patient switching and physician adoption if the drug gains regulatory approval.
Path to Market
Novo Nordisk submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for the 25 mg oral semaglutide to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year, with a regulatory decision anticipated by the end of 2025. If approved, it would become the first oral GLP-1 medication indicated specifically for weight loss in the United States.
To meet expected demand, the company has highlighted that the oral version would be manufactured at its facilities in North Carolina, a move aimed at shoring up its supply chain, which has been strained by the unprecedented success of its injectable products. The company's ability to reliably supply an oral alternative could prove to be as critical as the clinical data itself in its long-term market strategy.