At its Capital Markets Day in London, Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar outlined an ambitious growth roadmap for the Danish drugmaker. The company aims to bring more than five blockbuster drugs to market by 2030 and to deliver pipeline sales exceeding 150 billion Danish crowns (about $23 billion) by 2035.
Expanding the obesity‑treatment lineup
Novo Nordisk is racing to reassure investors that it can offset upcoming patent expirations for semaglutide, the active ingredient behind its high‑profile anti‑obesity products Ozempic and Wegovy. The firm detailed a multi‑year rollout of next‑generation obesity injectables, beginning with the CagriSema combination slated for launch early next year. Stand‑alone cagrilintide and a high‑dose version of CagriSema are scheduled for 2028, followed by the advanced candidate zenagamtide.
Doustdar said Novo intends to reach more than 60 million patients worldwide by 2030 and will increase manufacturing capacity tenfold to supply 15 million patients with oral obesity therapies by the end of the decade.
Oral obesity drugs gain traction
The company highlighted the success of its oral Wegovy pill, which has already amassed a record 7 million prescriptions in the United States. Notably, 90 percent of those sales are generated through direct cash‑pay channels, underscoring strong consumer demand for convenient, prescription‑free access.
In addition to injectables, Novo is accelerating the development of oral treatments. The firm expects to have at least five oral assets in clinical trials before the close of this year, expanding its pipeline beyond injectable options.
Workforce restructuring
As part of a broader corporate restructuring, Novo Nordisk reported total employee departures of 13 000, following an initial reduction of 9 000 jobs and a subsequent wave of 4 000 exits. The company said the moves are intended to streamline operations and focus resources on high‑growth areas such as obesity and diabetes care.
Market reaction
Shares in Novo Nordisk fell as much as 9 percent after the announcement, as analysts questioned the company’s pricing power and deal‑making strategy amid looming patent expiries. Despite the short‑term dip, the company’s long‑term outlook remains anchored in its expanding product pipeline and the growing global demand for effective obesity treatments.
Doustdar emphasized that Novo’s strategic investments in research, manufacturing, and market access are designed to sustain growth and deliver value to shareholders, patients, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
For reference, the exchange rate used in the announcement was 1 USD = 6.5096 Danish crowns.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
