Novo Nordisk $NVO raises 2026 guidance as Wegovy pill captures 65% of U.S. GLP-1 scripts; Q1 revenue $15.2B

Novo Nordisk ($NVO) raised its full-year 2026 guidance Wednesday after first-quarter sales surged 32% on a constant-currency basis to DKK 96.8 billion ($15.2 billion), driven by blockbuster demand for its GLP-1 obesity treatments — particularly its newly launched oral Wegovy pill, which now captures 65% of all new GLP-1 prescriptions in the United States.

The oral Wegovy formulation, launched in select markets earlier this year, dramatically exceeded initial sales forecasts. Patient preference for a daily pill over weekly injections has accelerated market penetration significantly beyond analyst models. Novo's combined Wegovy and Ozempic franchise continues to outpace rival Eli Lilly's Zepbound in new prescription market share.

The company upgraded its 2026 full-year guidance on the back of increased GLP-1 product sales expectations. The revision reflects growing confidence in the durability and breadth of weight-loss drug demand, even as Novo faces currency headwinds that compress reported revenue growth relative to constant-currency performance.

Beyond obesity, Novo Nordisk has been expanding GLP-1 indications into cardiovascular protection, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic liver disease — a broadening pipeline that could extend the addressable market well beyond weight management. The SOUL cardiovascular outcomes trial data for Ozempic is expected later this year and could serve as a major catalyst for expanded prescribing.

Next watch: Q2 2026 results in August, oral Wegovy rollout timeline for additional markets, and any FDA decisions on expanded indications. Source: CNBC.

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