Novo Nordisk Shares Surge Following Strong Early Sales and Regulatory Approvals for Wegovy

Novo Nordisk A/S has experienced a notable uptick in its stock performance, with shares climbing by over 7% during Friday trading hours, reflecting growing investor confidence fueled by robust early prescription numbers and recent international regulatory developments regarding its weight management drug, Wegovy (semaglutide). According to data referenced by Reuters, sourced from IQVIA, the pill form of Wegovy garnered 3,071 prescriptions across the United States in the initial four days following its launch, a metric attracting considerable market attention as an indicator of commercial strength. The clinical efficacy of Wegovy in supporting significant weight loss is paramount to its market reception. Clinical trials have demonstrated that when combined with a structured reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, patients administering Wegovy achieved an average body weight reduction of approximately 16.6%, a substantial improvement compared to the roughly 2.7% weight loss observed in placebo groups. These findings underscore Wegovy’s potential to address chronic weight management needs effectively. The medication initially secured approval in December 2025, marking an important milestone for Novo Nordisk in expanding its obesity treatment portfolio. In parallel with the product’s commercial rollout, health authorities in multiple jurisdictions have been advancing the regulatory framework supporting Wegovy’s usage, particularly concerning dosage modifications. The United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently authorized a maximum weekly dosage of 7.2 mg for Wegovy. This increase permits administration of up to three weekly injections of 2.4 mg each for adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher, exclusively in the context of obesity management linked with lifestyle intervention strategies. Notably, this approval restricts use among overweight individuals with BMI lower than 30 kg/m² when employing Wegovy for weight control purposes or for patients taking the drug to mitigate serious cardiovascular risks. Initial treatment typically begins at 0.25 mg per week, with healthcare providers instructing patients to gradually escalate dosage every four weeks as tolerated until reaching the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. If clinically indicated, a subsequent increase to the 7.2 mg weekly dose—entailing three separate injections given on the same day—may be implemented after a minimum four-week period at 2.4 mg. Patients prescribed the 7.2 mg regimen must adhere to administration protocols, including spacing injections by at least 5 cm in the same body area, changing needles between injections, and properly managing multiple pens supplied, as each pen contains four doses. Storage guidelines recommend refrigeration of partially used pens with needles removed, and safe disposal upon completion of all doses. Complementing the UK authorization, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a favorable opinion on the higher dosage of Wegovy. Novo Nordisk anticipates a formal regulatory decision across the European Union during the first quarter of 2026. Concurrently, in the United States, the company has submitted a supplemental marketing application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2025 for the semaglutide injection at the 7.2 mg dose for chronic weight management. The application benefits from the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) expedited review program, which suggests an approximate one to two month review period post-acceptance. Supporting the push for expanded dosing options, Novo Nordisk released outcomes from the STEP UP phase 3b trial, comparing the effects of the 7.2 mg dose against both the standard 2.4 mg dose and placebo on adults living with obesity. Trial data indicate that the escalated dosage facilitates an average weight reduction of approximately 21%, surpassing results observed with the lower dosage and further validating the enhanced dosing strategy. Market response to these developments has been favorable, with Novo Nordisk shares reaching $61.23 at the time of reporting, surging by 7.20%. This performance reflects investor enthusiasm amid expectations that increased regulatory flexibility and strong initial sales momentum will support broader adoption of Wegovy as a key component in obesity treatment. Analysts and market watchers remain vigilant in monitoring Wegovy’s ongoing sales trends and upcoming regulatory decisions, recognizing the drug’s centrality to Novo Nordisk’s growth trajectory in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape focused on weight management solutions.