Novo Nordisk has raised its 2026 outlook, citing stronger-than-expected demand for its GLP-1 obesity treatments, with Wegovy pill emerging as a key growth engine in the US and international markets.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant reported that second-quarter 2026 adjusted sales rose 7% at constant exchange rates (CER), fuelled by increased GLP-1 treatment volumes across regions and favourable US rebate adjustments during the quarter.
Reported sales increased 3% at CER, though growth was weighed down by the comparison with Q2 2025, which benefited from a DKK 2.6 billion reversal of a rebate provision linked to the US 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Adjusted operating profit climbed 11% at CER in Q2 2026. Reported operating profit fell 16% at CER, impacted by the prior-year 340B rebate provision reversal and DKK 6.3 billion in non-cash impairment charges related to intangible pipeline assets, including a DKK 4.0 billion impairment for monlunabant.
Novo Nordisk said Wegovy pill continues to gain traction in the US, with total weekly prescriptions exceeding 265,000 for the week ending 17 July. Based on new patient starts, the Wegovy franchise remains the leading branded obesity medication in the US market.
The oral obesity treatment was launched in the UAE in June and the UK in July, with the company reporting encouraging early uptake. Further launches in selected international markets are planned in the coming quarters.
The company has also expanded its injectable obesity portfolio, launching Wegovy HD in the US in April and the Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen in the UK in June. A wider EU rollout of the 7.2 mg pen is planned for the second half of 2026.
Novo Nordisk secured key regulatory milestones in obesity treatment, with Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen receiving European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval in July based on STEP UP trial data showing up to 20.7% mean weight loss.
Wegovy pill also received EMA approval in July, supported by OASIS 4 trial data demonstrating up to 16.6% mean weight loss.
However, the company reported a setback in cardiovascular research, with the ZEUS phase 3 trial of ziltivekimab failing to meet its primary endpoint.
Novo Nordisk now expects adjusted sales growth for 2026 to range between 0% and -6% at CER, with adjusted operating profit growth also forecast between 0% and -6% at CER. The revised outlook reflects higher expectations for GLP-1 product sales.
“The Wegovy product portfolio remains a key growth driver for Novo Nordisk in 2026, led by the continued rapid adoption of Wegovy pill in the US, which has reached more than 5 million prescriptions since its launch, alongside encouraging early uptake in markets outside the US and the rollout of Wegovy HD (7.2 mg).
"he increased US GLP-1 momentum, combined with continued growth and new launches in International Operations, has led us to further raise our 2026 guidance for both adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit,” said Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk.
