Execution, Execution, Execution: Novo’s New CEO Doubles Down on Obesity, Diabetes and Trims Pipeline

Maziar Mike Doustdar was named Novo Nordisk's new CEO in early August 2025, succeeding Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, and pledged to focus the company on its core strengths in obesity and diabetes therapies13.

Doustdar emphasized a strategy of 'execution, execution, execution,' signaling a shift towards reallocating resources to growth-driving areas and refining the company’s focus on metabolic diseases1.

As part of the new strategy, Novo Nordisk is trimming its research pipeline, discontinuing further development of a once-weekly GLP-1/GIP co-agonist (NNC0519-0130) and a CB1 receptor candidate, despite positive clinical trial results, citing 'portfolio considerations'2.

These decisions are taking place amid increased competition, particularly from Lilly's Zepbound (a rival GLP-1 obesity drug), market challenges with knockoff Wegovy versions, and reduced sales growth expectations for key products34.

The pipeline overhaul also follows a broader leadership shake-up that included the departure of both the CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, Marcus Schindler, Ph.D.2.

Novo Nordisk’s recent acquisition of Septerna brings new preclinical obesity programs, including a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist and two oral molecules, potentially filling gaps left by the pipeline cuts2.

Sources:

1. https://www.biospace.com/business/execution-execution-execution-novos-new-ceo-doubles-down-on-obesity-diabetes-and-trims-pipeline

2. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novo-nordisk-drops-2-obesity-drugs-part-major-pipeline-clearout

3. https://www.biospace.com/business/novo-nordisk-names-new-leader-cuts-2025-sales-guidance

4. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/novo-cuts-guidance-new-ceo-obesity-wegovy/756136/