By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : November 07, 2025 10:06 am
Sales from Novo’s GLP-1 portfolio—including Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes reached $5.6 billion
Less than three months into his tenure, Novo Nordisk’s new Chief Executive Officer, Maziar “Mike” Doustdar, is signaling a decisive shift in direction for the Danish pharmaceutical leader. Doustdar has already initiated a company-wide restructuring effort and recently intervened in Pfizer’s planned acquisition of metabolic biotech Metsera, underscoring Novo’s commitment to reclaiming its competitive edge in diabetes and obesity care.
Speaking on his first quarterly earnings call, Doustdar emphasized that sustaining market leadership will require strategic patience and continued investment in both innovation and patient access. He characterized the company’s path forward as “a marathon, not a sprint,” noting that Novo must broaden access to its medicines while opening new growth avenues in markets around the world.
The need for renewed momentum was reflected in Novo Nordisk’s third-quarter performance. For the period ended September 30, the company reported revenue of approximately $11.5 billion, representing a 5 per cent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, but lower than revenue levels recorded in the first two quarters of 2025. Sales from Novo’s GLP-1 portfolio—including Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes reached $5.6 billion, also up around 5 per cent year-over-year.
The results stand in contrast to the recent performance of Eli Lilly, which last week reported combined sales of its GIP/GLP-1 medicines totaling $10.1 billion for the quarter. Sales of Lilly’s tirzepatide-based therapies have now exceeded the quarterly sales of Keytruda, formerly the world’s top-selling drug, for two consecutive periods.
Despite competitive pressure, Doustdar reiterated confidence in Novo Nordisk’s scientific capabilities, commercial scale and long-term growth potential.
“We remain focused on expanding access, advancing new treatment modalities, and ensuring sustainable supply to meet global demand,” Doustdar said. “Our strategy is built for endurance—and we are committed to delivering meaningful impact for patients and shareholders over the long term.”