Copenhagen, January 17, 2026, 21:05 CET — The market has closed.
- Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S Class B closed up Friday in Copenhagen following new updates on Wegovy.
- Some early U.S. prescription figures for the new Wegovy pill have begun to surface.
- Britain’s medicines regulator has approved a higher weekly dose of Wegovy for certain obesity patients.
Shares of Novo Nordisk A/S Class B jumped 6.5%, finishing Friday at 388.9 Danish crowns. The late-week surge put the stock in a stronger position ahead of Monday’s market open. Trading volume hit roughly 13.9 million shares amid a session that shifted alongside the news cycle. (Investing)
This move is crucial since investors need clear evidence that Novo’s obesity franchise can sustain growth amid rising competition. Early prescription figures are now seen as indicators of pricing strength, market access, and the pace at which demand expands beyond weekly injections.
It’s also a matter of format. Pills provide an easier alternative for patients averse to needles, potentially attracting new users to a market already led by GLP-1 drugs — medications that replicate a gut hormone regulating appetite and blood sugar.
Analysts pointed to IQVIA data revealing 3,071 retail prescriptions for Novo’s Wegovy pill during its initial four days in the U.S. market. Barclays highlighted that this figure doesn’t include orders filled through Novo’s own NovoCare Pharmacy online, suggesting the real total is likely higher. In U.S. markets, prescriptions are often referred to as “scripts.” (Reuters)
Novo reported that “Early signs are positive and we are encouraged by feedback from our collaborators,” but cautioned it’s too soon to declare a trend for the daily pill. The firm is ramping up distribution via major pharmacy chains and telehealth platforms. Zach Reitano, Ro’s CEO and co-founder, noted, “There are early signs that the Wegovy pill on Ro is an attractive option for both new patients.” (Reuters)
Britain’s MHRA has greenlit a weekly dose of Wegovy up to 7.2 milligrams, delivered via three injections for obesity patients, expanding beyond the previous 2.4 mg cap. Emil Kongshoj Larsen, Novo’s head of international operations, said the company expects to be “particularly busy with the high-dose Wegovy launches,” calling it the “number one priority (ex-U.S.) this year.” (Reuters)
The MHRA approved the higher-dose regimen on January 6, rolling out guidance Friday that limits the tripled dose to adults classified as obese, with a BMI of 30 or above. It also laid out escalation rules from the standard dose. The increased dose doesn’t apply to overweight patients below that BMI or to individuals using Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction. (Gov)
There’s more moving here. This week in Texas, compounding pharmacy Strive Specialties sued Novo and Eli Lilly, accusing them of using exclusive deals to block cheaper compounded versions. Novo fired back, calling the claims “without merit” and promising a “vigorous” court defense. Lilly pushed back too, saying Strive’s lawsuit was “wrong, on both the facts and law.” (Reuters)
The downside scenario is clear: early script data is sparse, and launch-week figures often fluctuate due to discounts, stocking glitches, and marketing efforts. Pricing and reimbursement changes — particularly in the U.S. — can quickly alter momentum. Investors remain cautious, waiting to see if demand endures after the initial surge.
The market was closed over the weekend, so all eyes turn to Monday’s open. Traders will be looking to see if buyers hold their ground and if the upcoming weekly prescription data backs up the surge.
The key focus now shifts to U.S. pill prescription trends in the coming weeks. By April, attention will turn to the FDA’s verdict on Eli Lilly’s experimental obesity drug.
