NOVO_B Novo Nordisk posted strong Q1 results, with revenue up 19% year-over-year to DKK 78.1 billion ($11.9 billion), fueled by a 67% jump in obesity drug sales. However, sales of its key drug Wegovy slipped 13% from the previous quarter to DKK 17.4 billion, falling short of expectations. Operating profit climbed 22% to DKK 38.8 billion.Despite the solid performance, the company trimmed its 2025 guidance, citing rising competition from compounded GLP-1 drugs. It now sees revenue growing 13%–21%, down from a previous range of 16%–24%, and operating profit rising 16%–24%, previously 19%–27%.
Management is optimistic about a turnaround. They pointed to the FDA’s upcoming ban on compounded semaglutide, effective May 22, which could shift demand back to branded treatments. CFO Karsten Munk Knudsen expects Wegovy sales to bounce back in the second half, helped by new deals with CVS Health and telehealth platforms like Hims & Hers. Investors remain hopeful that demand for GLP-1 drugs will recover as copycat competition fades.
