Novo Nordisk Sees Revenue Plummet as Trump's Weight Loss Drug Price Push Takes Toll
Denmark-based pharma giant Novo Nordisk is facing a perfect storm of challenges, including the impact of US President Donald Trump's efforts to lower weight loss drug prices, rising competition, and patent expirations. As a result, the company now expects sales to fall by as much as 13% this year, significantly below its previous forecasts.
The sharp drop in revenue is largely attributed to Novo Nordisk's decision to slash US prices for its popular weight loss medication Ozempic (semaglutide), from over $1,000 a month to an average of just $350. This move has led to lower profit margins and reduced sales volumes.
But despite the challenges ahead, Novo is optimistic about the long-term prospects of its products, particularly its new oral version of Ozempic called Wegovy, which has seen impressive demand in the US market. The company expects the pill's popularity to continue with higher volume sales over the coming years.
However, other companies are not as cautious. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk's main rival in the weight loss treatment space, is now forecasting stronger-than-expected revenue and profit growth this year, despite also facing similar challenges due to the Trump administration's efforts to lower US drug prices.
The contrast between the two companies' outlooks highlights the varying strategies being employed by pharmaceutical firms as they navigate the complex landscape of price cuts, patent expirations, and rising competition.
Denmark-based pharma giant Novo Nordisk is facing a perfect storm of challenges, including the impact of US President Donald Trump's efforts to lower weight loss drug prices, rising competition, and patent expirations. As a result, the company now expects sales to fall by as much as 13% this year, significantly below its previous forecasts.
The sharp drop in revenue is largely attributed to Novo Nordisk's decision to slash US prices for its popular weight loss medication Ozempic (semaglutide), from over $1,000 a month to an average of just $350. This move has led to lower profit margins and reduced sales volumes.
But despite the challenges ahead, Novo is optimistic about the long-term prospects of its products, particularly its new oral version of Ozempic called Wegovy, which has seen impressive demand in the US market. The company expects the pill's popularity to continue with higher volume sales over the coming years.
However, other companies are not as cautious. Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk's main rival in the weight loss treatment space, is now forecasting stronger-than-expected revenue and profit growth this year, despite also facing similar challenges due to the Trump administration's efforts to lower US drug prices.
The contrast between the two companies' outlooks highlights the varying strategies being employed by pharmaceutical firms as they navigate the complex landscape of price cuts, patent expirations, and rising competition.
I mean, come on, if people are struggling to afford these things, shouldn't we be working towards making them accessible instead of cutting prices like that? 
It's like, don't get me wrong, it's great that they're trying to help people lose weight and all, but this just feels like a band-aid solution at best. And now Eli Lilly is gonna rake in the cash while Novo Nordisk struggles... it's just not right 
I'm not surprised to see Novo Nordisk taking a hit from Trump's weight loss drug price push 
, 13% drop in sales is a big deal! But at the same time, $350/month for Ozempic is still crazy expensive 
. Eli Lilly's forecast looks more promising to me 
, maybe their strategy will pay off in the long run 
?
They've been a major player in the weight loss medication game, but now their sales are tanking 
I think it's crazy how Trump's pressure on prices is affecting them so much 
Wegovy sounds like a solid move for Novo though, gotta see how it plays out in the long run 
. It'll be interesting to see how Eli Lilly fares with their new strategy 
. Meanwhile, I'm curious about what other companies will do next... it's all about adapting to the changing landscape 
.
btw i know someone who works at Novo and they said they were really scared about cutting prices initially 
anyone else know anyone working in pharma? 
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. They must have taken a huge hit with that price slash on Ozempic 
. Fingers crossed for Novo and all the patients who need their meds 
it shows how pharma companies are adapting to the situation, some are cutting prices and slashing profits while others are hoping for volume sales with new products like Wegovy 
anyway, at least wegovy seems to have potential... 
. whatever works for them, right? 
.
how can ppl afford that kinda cash?! anyway, i do think its good to see some of these big pharma companies being, like, super transparent about their pricing and whatnot 
but at the same time, gotta feel for Novo Nordisk - they're taking a hit because of trump's price cuts 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? They're pivoting to their new oral version of Ozempic and it's killing it in the US market! Wegovy is like the Cinderella of weight loss medications 
. Plus, Eli Lilly's optimistic forecast might just make Novo Nordisk work even harder to stay on top 
. Competition is a good thing, right? It keeps everyone innovating and pushing boundaries 