Novo Nordisk Stock Decline Amid Analyst Downgrade and Compounding Drug Concerns
Novo Nordisk shares tumbled nearly 6% on Thursday, extending losses after HSBC analyst Rajesh Kumar downgraded the stock to 'hold' and slashed his price target by 47%. The bearish sentiment stems from concerns about compounded weight-loss drugs illegally competing with Novo's flagship products Ozempic and Wegovy.
Despite FDA bans, Kumar believes illicit compounding will persist, potentially inflating GLP-1 drug market projections. The enforcement effectiveness of current regulations remains a critical variable for Novo's outlook. Pharmaceutical analysts continue debating whether this represents a temporary setback or structural challenge for the diabetes treatment leader.