Could Novo Nordisk’s New Weight-Loss Pill Be Just What Its Stock Needs?

Key Takeaways

• Novo Nordisk shares soared Tuesday after the company said the Food and Drug Administration approved an oral version of its popular Wegovy weight-loss drug.
• The Danish drugmaker said it hopes to launch the pill in the U.S. in early January.

Could a new weight-loss pill be just what Novo Nordisk (NVO) needs to revive its stock?

U.S.-listed shares of the Danish drugmaker surged 9% in recent trading after the company said it received Food and Drug Administration approval for an oral version of its injectable Wegovy weight-loss drug. 

The pill, which Novo Nordisk said helped patients lose about 16.6% of their body weight on average during a clinical trial, is expected to launch in the U.S. in January.

Why This Matters

The oral version of Wegovy could boost demand for Novo Nordisk's weight-loss treatments, along with enthusiasm for the stock, which has slumped this year amid growing competition from other drugmakers and pressure to lower drug prices.

The timing of the FDA's approval could also give Novo Nordisk a leg up on rival Eli Lilly (LLY), whose weight-loss pill is expected to be approved by the regulatory agency in the first quarter of 2026.

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Even with Tuesday's gains, shares of Novo Nordisk have lost more than a third of their value in 2025 as worries about growing competition and pressure from the Trump administration to lower drug prices weighed on the shares.

Last month, Novo Nordisk posted third-quarter earnings that missed expectations and scaled back its outlook, due in part to disappointing demand for Ozempic amid increased competition.

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