Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Pill Launches Strongly Amid Analyst Caution
FDA approved Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy pill in December 2025, with sales launching in January 2026, giving it a first-mover advantage over Eli Lilly's orforglipron expected in Q2 2026134.
Early US sales of the oral Wegovy pill have been impressive, driving Novo Nordisk shares up significantly5.
Clinical data shows oral Wegovy achieves 16.6% average weight loss after 64 weeks, outperforming Lilly's orforglipron at 12.4% after 72 weeks1.
GlobalData forecasts worldwide Wegovy pill sales at $456 million in 2026, with US sales reaching $721 million in 2027 and $1.092 billion in 20282.
Despite the positive launch, analysts remain cautious due to Novo's 2025 sales growth slowdown to 5% in Q3 amid Lilly's competition, and lowered 2026 earnings estimates13.
Sources:
1. https://www.investing.com/analysis/fda-approves-novo-nordisks-wegovy-pill-a-game-changer-for-2026-200672572
2. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/analyst-comment/transformative-arrival-of-oral-weight-loss-medicines-in-us/
3. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/will-nvos-wegovy-pill-approval-obesity-be-game-changer-2026
4. https://247wallst.com/forecasts/2026/01/21/novo-nordisk-a-s-nvo-price-prediction-and-forecast-2025-2030/
5. https://www.thepharmaletter.com/pharma-news/early-oral-wegovy-sales-send-novo-nordisk-shares-rocketing