Novo Nordisk Stock Surges 9.24% on Oral Wegovy Launch, U.K. Dose Approval Boosting Market Confidence

The share price rose to its highest level so far this month, with an intraday gain of 9.24% on Jan. 17.

Novo Nordisk’s rally was driven by progress in its obesity drug portfolio. The company launched an oral version of Wegovy in the U.S. on Jan. 5, securing over 3,000 prescriptions in its first four days. This oral formulation, priced at $149 per month, targets patients preferring pills over injections. Separately, the U.K. approved a 7.2 mg weekly dose of Wegovy on Jan. 13, tripling the previous dose to achieve 20% weight loss in trials. These developments reinforced investor confidence in the company’s ability to maintain leadership in the GLP-1 drug class amid competitive pressures.

Analysts highlighted the strategic significance of these moves. The oral Wegovy’s first-mover advantage in the oral obesity market and the higher-dose U.K. approval position Novo to offset challenges like U.S. price cuts and patent expirations. While Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide has gained traction, Novo’s focus on patient preferences—such as oral delivery—and international expansion of high-dose Wegovy aims to sustain market share. The stock’s 4.2% pre-market surge on Jan. 13, followed by a 9.24% intraday jump, reflected optimism about the company’s innovation pipeline and its response to competitive dynamics.

As the market reacts to these developments, the biotech sector is closely watching Novo Nordisk’s ability to balance innovation and pricing. Investors have shown a clear preference for companies that can adapt to evolving patient needs and regulatory landscapes. With the company’s recent milestones, the broader industry is assessing how Novo’s approach might shape future standards in obesity treatment and GLP-1 drug development. Analysts remain bullish on Novo’s long-term prospects, citing its strong R&D pipeline and expanding market presence across key geographies.