Novo Nordisk benefits from new Medicare coverage for obesity drugs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 11 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
Novo Nordisk's stock rose by 3.00% as it reached a 20-day high amid broader market declines.
The recent announcement that Medicare will cover obesity drugs starting tomorrow is expected to significantly increase the patient population eligible for treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. This policy change could reshape the competitive landscape in obesity treatment, providing a substantial market opportunity for both companies. Analysts believe this could drive significant sales growth in the coming years, despite potential implementation challenges.
The implications of this new coverage are profound, as it not only enhances accessibility for millions of seniors but also positions Novo Nordisk favorably in the obesity drug market. The company’s ability to capitalize on this opportunity will depend on effective marketing and addressing any barriers to patient access.
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Analyst Views on NVO
Wall Street analysts forecast NVO stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 49.260
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
Current: 49.260
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
About NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company engaged in diabetes care. The Company is also engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The Company operates through two business segments: diabetes and obesity care, and biopharmaceuticals. The Company's diabetes and obesity care segment covers insulin, GLP-1, other protein-related products, such as glucagon, protein-related delivery systems and needles, and oral anti-diabetic drugs. The Company's biopharmaceuticals segment covers the therapy areas of hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. The Company also offers Saxenda product to treat obesity. It offers a range of products, including NovoLog/NovoRapid; NovoLog Mix/NovoMix; Prandin/NovoNorm; NovoSeven; Norditropin, and Vagifem. As of December 31, 2016, it marketed its products in over 180 countries. Its regional structure consists of two commercial units: North America and International Operations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Unique Therapeutic Advantage: VK2735's dual formulation allows for rapid weight loss via injection followed by oral maintenance, achieving a notable 14.7% weight reduction in 13 weeks, which could appeal to patients seeking quicker results compared to competitors' offerings.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous VK2735 expected in mid-2027 and oral dosing results anticipated in 2028, necessitating patience from investors as they await critical data.
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- Dual Formulation Advantage: As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735 can initially be administered via injection for rapid weight loss and later switched to oral maintenance, providing a more convenient experience that could enhance patient adherence and market competitiveness.
- Safety Challenges: Despite VK2735's promising weight loss results, the safety data from the phase 2 oral trial raises concerns, with a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the treatment group, compared to 13% in the placebo group, potentially affecting future market acceptance.
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- Intense Competitive Landscape: VK2735 faces fierce competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss in clinical trials, necessitating VK2735 to offer clear advantages in efficacy, pricing, and tolerability to gain market share.
- Slow Clinical Trial Progress: The phase 3 trial for VK2735's injectable form is not expected to complete until 2027, while oral trials are just beginning; failure to replicate favorable data in larger cohorts could lead to a significant drop in investor confidence, potentially reducing a $1,000 investment to a few hundred dollars.
See More
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- Market Competition Analysis: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, faces significant competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs dominate the weight loss market, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for VK2735 in capturing market share.
- Unique Therapeutic Advantage: VK2735's dual formulation allows for rapid weight loss via injection followed by oral maintenance, achieving a notable 14.7% weight reduction in 13 weeks, which could appeal to patients seeking quicker results compared to competitors' offerings.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous VK2735 expected in mid-2027 and oral dosing results anticipated in 2028, necessitating patience from investors as they await critical data.
- Investor Confidence and Risks: Despite a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events, market sentiment remains optimistic about VK2735's prospects, particularly if maintenance trial results are favorable, potentially attracting acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies and enhancing the company's value.
See More
Viking's VK2735 Shows Significant Weight Loss Potential
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 demonstrates a peak weight loss of 14.7% in phase 2 trials, achieving this in just 13 weeks, significantly outperforming competitors, which may attract acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies to expedite development.
- Dual Formulation Advantage: As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735 can initially be administered via injection for rapid weight loss and later switched to oral maintenance, providing a more convenient experience that could enhance patient adherence and market competitiveness.
- Safety Challenges: Despite VK2735's promising weight loss results, the safety data from the phase 2 oral trial raises concerns, with a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the treatment group, compared to 13% in the placebo group, potentially affecting future market acceptance.
- Future Outlook: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous dosing expected in mid-2027; if results are favorable, this could boost investor confidence and drive stock price appreciation.
See More
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- Significant Revenue Growth: Eli Lilly's weight loss drugs saw revenue soar over 100% in the recent quarter, with Zepbound also achieving double-digit growth, collectively generating over $12 billion for the company, highlighting strong demand and profitability in the market.
- Market Share Leadership: Lilly currently holds a 60% share of the U.S. weight loss drug market and 53% internationally, marking its surpassing of Novo Nordisk in a competitive landscape and solidifying its leadership position.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts predict the weight loss drug market will approach $100 billion by the end of the decade, with Lilly's oral weight loss drug Foundayo expected to further drive revenue growth by catering to patients' demand for more convenient medication options.
- Stock Investment Outlook: Despite Eli Lilly's stock rising over 50% in the past year and trading near $1,000, its forward P/E ratio of 32 suggests long-term growth potential, making it a smart addition to a diversified portfolio aimed at wealth accumulation.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Faces Intense Competition in Obesity Drug Market
- Market Potential: According to Goldman Sachs, the weight loss drug market could reach $95 billion by 2030, while J.P. Morgan estimates the GLP-1 drug market at nearly $200 billion, highlighting significant opportunities for Viking Therapeutics in this sector.
- Investment Return Analysis: If VK2735 gains approval and captures 1% of the market, Viking's valuation could rise from $4.4 billion to $15 billion, allowing a $1,000 investment to grow to approximately $3,400, although risks of share dilution remain.
- Intense Competitive Pressure: VK2735 must secure approval by 2028 or 2029, by which time Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will have established strong market positions with effective treatments, presenting a high barrier for VK2735 to overcome.
- Clinical Trial Risks: VK2735's injectable form demonstrated a 14.7% weight loss in mid-stage trials, but its phase 3 trials won't conclude until 2027, and oral formulation trials are just beginning, creating uncertainty that could lead to investor losses of 60% to 80%.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Faces Market Challenges Ahead of VK2735 Launch
- Intense Market Competition: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 is expected to hit the market within two years, yet it faces fierce competition from giants like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, which dominate the obesity drug market, potentially hindering Viking's ability to capture market share.
- Clinical Trial Data: VK2735 demonstrated a weight loss of 14.7% in mid-stage trials, but even with promising data, Viking must exhibit significant advantages in efficacy, pricing, and tolerability to secure even 1% of the market.
- Investment Return Forecast: If VK2735 gains approval and captures 1% of the market, projected annual sales could reach $1.5 billion, leading to a potential company valuation of $15 billion based on a 10x price-to-sales ratio, suggesting a $1,000 investment could grow to $3,400, but dilution from new fundraising could reduce it to $2,500.
- Risk Assessment: In the best-case scenario, a $1,000 investment could grow to $10,000 by 2030, but given market competition and clinical trial uncertainties, the most likely outcome is closer to $2,500, highlighting the high-risk nature of investing in Viking.
See More
Market Outlook for Viking Therapeutics by 2030
- Significant Market Potential: According to Goldman Sachs, the weight loss drug market could reach $95 billion by 2030, while J.P. Morgan estimates the broader GLP-1 market at nearly $200 billion, with Viking's VK2735 potentially capturing 1% of the market, translating to $1.5 billion in annual sales.
- Investment Return Expectations: If VK2735 successfully launches and achieves a price-to-sales ratio of 10, Viking's market cap could rise from $4.4 billion to $15 billion, suggesting that a $1,000 investment could grow to approximately $3,400, although risks of share dilution remain.
- Intense Competitive Landscape: VK2735 faces fierce competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss in clinical trials, necessitating VK2735 to offer clear advantages in efficacy, pricing, and tolerability to gain market share.
- Slow Clinical Trial Progress: The phase 3 trial for VK2735's injectable form is not expected to complete until 2027, while oral trials are just beginning; failure to replicate favorable data in larger cohorts could lead to a significant drop in investor confidence, potentially reducing a $1,000 investment to a few hundred dollars.
See More
