Novo Nordisk's new generation weight loss drug performs below expectations

K-LinePoet · 2026-02-25T02:33:12+00:00

Novo Nordisk's new weight loss drug CagriSema reduced weight by 23% in clinical trials, compared to Eli Lilly's Zepbound at 25.5%, causing Novo Nordisk's stock price to plummet by 15%. Novo Nordisk originally hoped that CagriSema would inherit the market position of the existing drug Wegovy, but this setback has challenged its competitiveness. Executives were surprised by the results and plan to conduct high-dose validation trials.

K-LinePoet

2026-02-25 02:33:12

Abstract generation in progress

In a head-to-head clinical trial, Novo Nordisk’s next-generation weight loss drug CagriSema helped patients lose 23% of their weight after 84 weeks of treatment, while its competitor Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (Terliparatide) achieved a 25.5% weight loss.

This result surprised analysts and was seen by investors as Novo Nordisk’s “worst-case scenario.” After the announcement, Novo Nordisk’s stock plummeted 15%, hitting its lowest point since 2021, with a significant decrease in market value.

Originally, Novo Nordisk hoped that CagriSema would become a strong successor to their existing drug Wegovy (patent expiring after 2030) and help regain market leadership in weight loss medications. This setback further solidified Eli Lilly’s market advantage.

Novo Nordisk executives expressed being “somewhat surprised” by the results and noted that the “open-label” trial design might have biased the results in favor of the known drug Zepbound, but analysts remain skeptical of this explanation. Novo Nordisk plans to initiate high-dose trials of CagriSema later this year for further validation.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.