A collection of injector pens for the Saxenda weight reduction drug are proven on this photograph illustration in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 31, 2023.
Jim Vondruska | Reuters
Novo Nordisk, which makes the weight-loss drug Wegovy, raised its outlook for 2023 Thursday, because it reported hovering gross sales.
The Danish pharmaceutical firm reported a 30% improve in gross sales, at fixed change charges, for the primary half of this yr to 107.7 million Danish kroner ($15.9 million). Web revenue elevated 43%, coming in at 39.2 million kroner.
The corporate’s diabetes and weight problems division carried out notably effectively, bolstered by curiosity in its blockbuster injection Wegovy.
“The [sales] development is pushed by rising demand for our GLP-1-based diabetes and weight problems therapies, and we’re serving extra sufferers than ever earlier than,” Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, president and CEO, stated in an announcement. “The efficiency within the first six months has enabled us to boost the outlook for the complete yr.”
For 2023, the corporate now anticipates gross sales development of 27%-33% and working revenue development of 31%-37%, at fixed change charges.
Final week, late-stage trial information confirmed that Wegovy diminished the danger of main cardiovascular occasions equivalent to coronary heart assaults or strokes by 20%, in contrast with a placebo, sending shares larger.
The outcomes of the intently watched “SELECT” trial, which exceeded expectations, have been seen as a significant enhance for the corporate’s hopes of transferring past Wegovy’s picture as a “vainness drug.”
The energetic ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, an FDA-approved drug that works by imitating a naturally-occurring intestine hormone that helps to control urge for food.
Shares are up nearly 1% in pre-market buying and selling.
— Sam Meredith contributed to this report.
