Novo Nordisk Stock Surges as FDA Approves First Oral Weight-Loss Pill
Novo Nordisk shares jumped 9.5% in extended trading after the FDA granted approval for Wegovy, the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for weight management in the U.S. The once-daily semaglutide 25 mg pill demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials, with participants losing an average of 16.6% body weight over 64 weeks.
The approval marks a strategic victory for Novo Nordisk, positioning it ahead of competitor Eli Lilly in the obesity treatment market. The Danish pharmaceutical giant plans a U.S. launch in early 2026, potentially revitalizing its performance after a challenging year marked by a 44% stock decline.