Global pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk is facing turbulent times as its stock price plunged sharply today following a significant downward revision of its full-year forecast and the announcement of a new CEO. The company cited weaker-than-expected U.S. sales of its weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic as key reasons for the cut in projections.
The Novo Nordisk aktienkurs dropped by as much as 26% before recovering slightly to close down 23%, marking one of the steepest one-day losses in the company’s recent history. This market reaction follows the company’s statement that it now expects full-year sales growth of just 8% to 14%, down from the previous guidance of 13% to 21%. Operating profit growth expectations were also slashed to 10% to 16%, compared to the earlier estimate of 16% to 24%.
This latest update adds to an already tough year for Novo Nordisk, with its aktienkurs having fallen more than 42% year-to-date.
New Leadership, New Strategy?
The announcement came with another significant change: Maziar Mike Doustdar, a long-time company veteran, will step into the CEO role, replacing Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen effective August 7. Doustdar, who has been with Novo Nordisk since 1992 and most recently served as EVP of International Operations, is seen as a strategic operator with deep knowledge of global markets.
In his first statement, Doustdar said:
“I come to this role with a sense of urgency, a laser focus on high performance, and a fierce determination for Novo Nordisk to aim higher than it’s ever done.”
Despite the leadership change, investor concerns remain focused on falling U.S. market momentum for Wegovy and Ozempic, two of the company’s most lucrative treatments. In particular, the company blamed the persistent use of compounded GLP-1s and slower-than-expected market expansion for Wegovy’s underperformance. The rise of copycat competitors—especially following FDA supply rulings—has been a persistent thorn in Novo Nordisk’s side.
Wegovy and Ozempic Facing Headwinds
Wegovy, once hailed as a breakthrough in the obesity treatment space, has seen softer-than-expected demand in the U.S., which was anticipated to be its most lucrative market. Meanwhile, Ozempic aktie analysts are also showing concern, as the diabetes drug’s revenue projections have been downgraded due to increased competition and market saturation.
Adding to investor anxiety are recent disappointing clinical trial results for Novo Nordisk’s next-generation obesity drug candidate, CagriSema. Analysts believe that these underwhelming results, combined with increased R&D spending and slowing sales, could continue to weigh down the aktienkurs Novo Nordisk through Q3.
What’s Next for Investors?
Novo Nordisk will report its full second-quarter earnings on August 6, and analysts are watching closely for any signs of stabilization. While some believe that the second half of 2025 may bring relief as FDA crackdowns reduce access to compounded alternatives, the current sentiment remains cautious.
Industry experts argue that the leadership change may signal a more aggressive pivot towards long-term innovation and geographic diversification, but that will take time to reflect in financials.
For now, the Novo Nordisk news cycle is dominated by investor panic, with many watching closely to see if Doustdar can stabilize the company’s trajectory and restore confidence.
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