$NVO

Over 600,000 seniors enrolled in Medicare's GLP-1 Bridge program in two months, saving $216 million. Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) supply drugs at $245/month. Jefferies estimates $1.5B-$1.8B annualized revenue for the program. KFF estimates 3.8M eligible beneficiaries. Enrollment may reach 25% soon, but adherence is uncertain.

Ozempic is the most well-known GLP-1 medication, but data shows it accounts for only 7.1% of use. Tirzepatide-based drugs like Zepbound lead in prescriptions. Insurance coverage and cost influence prescribing decisions. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) have different FDA approvals and efficacy profiles. First-time semaglutide prescriptions fell 13.3% from March to June 2026.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) shares rose 3.6% after Hims & Hers withdrew its discounted GLP-1 pill, easing competition. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill gained access to Hims & Hers patients. The FDA supports branded GLP-1 drugs. Novo Nordisk raised 2026 guidance in August, citing strong Wegovy adoption.

Citi reiterated its 'sell' rating on Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) with a price target of 265 DKK, down from 292.4 DKK. The bank's IQVIA tracker showed declining prescriptions for Novo's GLP-1 obesity drugs, except oral Wegovy. Ozempic and subcutaneous Wegovy showed positive growth, while Rybelsus fell. Citi expects double-digit upside for Ozempic and subcutaneous Wegovy, but single-digit for Rybelsus.

A Fifth Circuit panel ruled that the FDA lawfully removed GLP-1 medications from Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk from the national drug shortage list. The case involved disputes over drug shortages and the 340B drug pricing program.

Amazon faces an FTC lawsuit over ad revenue. Tesla reports mixed European car registrations. Apple's Tim Cook to step down as CEO. Eli Lilly reports positive drug trial results. Multiple companies, including Exxon, RTX, and Medtronic, announce strategic moves and financial updates. Various European and global firms report earnings, trials, and operational changes.

U.S. President Trump has secured drug-pricing deals with over 20 pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Novo Nordisk, to reduce prescription costs. Agreements involve 'most-favoured-nation' pricing, sales through TrumpRx.gov, and U.S. investment pledges in exchange for tariff relief. Companies like Pfizer and Novo Nordisk have committed to significant price reductions on specific drugs.

Novo Nordisk has launched its Wegovy weight-loss pill in Germany, its first EU market. The pill, priced similarly to the Wegovy pen (€170-€280), competes with Eli Lilly's Foundayo. Novo claims 90% of the oral obesity market, despite Lilly's gains. The GLP-1 market is expected to exceed $100B by 2030, with pills potentially making up over a third of use.

U.S. stock futures rose early Wednesday on Middle East deal hopes and AMD's strong earnings report. AMD stock surged 19% on $11.2B Q2 revenue outlook. NVO rose 8% after raising 2026 outlook. TSLA may face 25% EU tariff. Other stocks in focus include NVDA, SMCI, META, AAPL, IBRX, DGXX.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) launched AMAZE 9, a Phase 3 trial for oral obesity drug zenagamtide. The study tests the pill's efficacy against placebo in adults with obesity, aiming to offer an alternative to injectable treatments. The trial is not yet recruiting, with key dates to be determined. This update highlights NVO's focus on expanding its obesity drug portfolio.