Overview
- Novo Nordisk, which reported results Wednesday, beat Q1 forecasts with 96.8 billion Danish kroner in sales as its Wegovy pill logged about 1.3 million U.S. prescriptions in the quarter and surpassed 2 million since January.
- The company tightened its 2026 guidance to an adjusted sales and operating profit decline of 4% to 12% after the pill’s faster‑than‑expected start.
- A $4.2 billion reversal tied to the U.S. 340B pricing program inflated reported figures, while adjusted sales fell 4% and adjusted operating profit fell 6% year over year.
- Analysts warn revenue may trail prescription growth because many patients are on the $149 starter dose and U.S. price cuts and policy efforts are pressuring margins.
- Eli Lilly’s rival pill Foundayo began its U.S. rollout in early April, setting up a head‑to‑head fight as Novo adds manufacturing in Ireland and targets launches outside the U.S. later in 2026.