Novo Nordisk Cuts Jobs and Lowers Forecast Amid Sales Slowdown
Novo Nordisk slashed its 2025 profit growth forecast to 4-7% from 4-10%, with sales growth projections trimmed to 8-11% from 8-14%. The Danish drugmaker will eliminate 9,000 jobs globally—5,000 in Denmark alone—as part of a restructuring plan.
Third-quarter operating profit plunged 30% to DKK 23.7 billion, missing analyst estimates. Wegovy sales grew 18% to DKK 20.4 billion but fell short of expectations. CEO Mike Doustdar cited slowing demand for GLP-1 treatments as the primary driver for reduced guidance.
The stock has halved year-to-date amid intensifying competition from Eli Lilly and generic copycats. Novo's challenges highlight shifting dynamics in the weight-loss drug market, where pricing pressure and saturation risks loom.