# Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk boosted by successful weight-loss pill launch

By Derren Nathan — 2026-05-06

Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Novo Nordisk’s first quarter numbers paint a mixed picture.

“The headline numbers show a return to double digit growth but stripping out accounting adjustments points to a single digit decline in both underlying and sales and operating profit, beating company compiled consensus forecasts at the bottom line.

“One key dynamic to monitor is whether price cuts are stimulating volume. The answer is yes, but in the US market not enough yet, with adjusted sales falling 11 per cent.

“However, a very strong US launch for the Wegovy pill (two million prescriptions to date), and stronger volume growth overseas has prompted management to narrow its guidance range to a 4-12 per cent decline (previously 5-12 per cent) in both underlying sales and operating profit.

“That in itself is unlikely to be enough to fully restore investor confidence but there are some signs that the tide is turning.

“The head-to-head battle of the weight loss pills is going Novo’s way and strong clinical progress is a reminder that the company’s not a one-trick pony.

“2026 remains a transitional year but there’s still a long runway of growth ahead for GLP1s and Novo’s a key player.

“With the shares close to five-year lows further evidence of improving execution could be rewarded.”

Canonical: https://experts.pressassociation.com/expert/72/views/735ae736439a4cee