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Novo Nordisk raises 2026 outlook as Wegovy pill beats forecasts

Published

Novo Nordisk said third-quarter sales of its Wegovy pill reached 5.39-billion Danish crowns, above the 4.62-billion analysts expected. Sales rose 53% on the second quarter, and the drugmaker raised its 2026 outlook for the third time.

Novo Nordisk now expects 2026 adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit to move between a 2% rise and a 2% fall at constant exchange rates. Its earlier forecast was a fall of 0% to 6%. The company said higher expectations for GLP-1 sales in the US and international markets drove the change.

US sales of the pill were 4.18-billion Danish crowns, and international sales were 1.22-billion. About 3.6-million prescriptions were filled in the US in the quarter, and more than 8-million since launch. Adjusted sales were 79.20-billion crowns, against 73.22-billion expected. Adjusted operating profit was 31.72-billion crowns, against 28.39-billion projected by analysts.

Sales of injectable Wegovy in the US fell 13% at constant exchange rates, but combined US Wegovy sales rose 21%. Chief executive Mike Doustdar said growth was led by the obesity portfolio. Analysts said the pill is the company's main route back to growth.

Key facts

Who
Mike Doustdar (CEO of Novo Nordisk); Novo Nordisk (drug maker reporting the results); Eli Lilly (US rival drug maker)
What
Novo Nordisk reported third-quarter sales of its Wegovy pill above analyst consensus, with sales up 53% on the second quarter, and raised its 2026 adjusted sales and operating profit guidance for the third time. The company said the improvement was driven by higher expectations for GLP-1 sales in the US and international markets.
When
4 November 2026
Where
United States, Denmark
Status
Reported

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