TLDR
- Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy showed 57% greater reduction in heart attack and stroke risk compared to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound in new study
- Novo stock jumped 2.8% in Denmark following the positive heart health data release
- Study suggests heart-protective benefits are specific to semaglutide molecule found in Wegovy and Ozempic
- European markets gained momentum with Stoxx 600 rising 0.4% as healthcare stocks climbed
- Real-world study data presented at European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 in Madrid
Novo Nordisk stock surged Monday after new study data showed its weight-loss drug Wegovy delivered superior heart health benefits compared to rival Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. The Danish pharmaceutical company’s shares rose 2.8% in Copenhagen trading.
The study found that a 2.4 milligram dose of Wegovy resulted in a 57% greater reduction in heart attack and stroke risk. The comparison was made against tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Lilly’s Zepbound medication.
The research focused on people with overweight or obesity who had cardiovascular disease but no diabetes. Wegovy also showed better results for overall death rates in this patient group.
Novo said the findings add to evidence that heart-protective benefits are specific to the semaglutide molecule. This molecule is found in both Wegovy and the company’s diabetes drug Ozempic.
“This study adds to growing evidence suggesting that the heart-protective benefits seen with Wegovy are specific to the semaglutide molecule,” Novo stated. The company said these benefits cannot be extended to other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1-based treatments.
The positive news comes at a crucial time for Novo Nordisk. The company’s stock has faced pressure in recent months due to increased competition.
Competition Pressures Mount
Novo has been dealing with challenges from both Eli Lilly’s competing drugs and cheaper copycat versions. Compounding pharmacies have been creating knockoff versions of Wegovy at lower prices.
The company cut its 2025 sales growth forecast in July. Management cited ongoing issues with compounding pharmacy competition in the U.S. market.
Regulators have moved to shut down the compounding market for these drugs. However, the impact on Novo’s sales has lingered longer than expected.
Heart Health Data Could Drive Coverage
The cardiovascular benefits could help Novo gain better insurance coverage for Wegovy. Many insurers currently cover GLP-1 drugs for diabetes treatment but not for weight loss.
Better heart health data might change this coverage landscape. Insurance companies often expand coverage when drugs show medical benefits beyond their primary indication.
The study data were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 in Madrid. This was a real-world study using actual patient data rather than a controlled trial setting.
GLP-1 and GIP are gut hormones that help control blood sugar and suppress appetite. Semaglutide targets the GLP-1 hormone while tirzepatide targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones.
European markets responded positively to the Novo news. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4% as healthcare stocks climbed.
Germany’s Dax increased 0.5% while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 added 0.3%. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.3% by mid-morning European time.
Trading volumes remained light due to U.S. markets being closed for Labor Day. American depositary receipts for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly shares were not trading.
The study results represent a potential competitive advantage for Novo in the crowded weight-loss drug market. Real-world evidence of superior cardiovascular outcomes could influence prescribing patterns and insurance decisions.
Stay Ahead of the Market with Benzinga Pro!
Want to trade like a pro? Benzinga Pro gives you the edge you need in today's fast-paced markets. Get real-time news, exclusive insights, and powerful tools trusted by professional traders:
- Breaking market-moving stories before they hit mainstream media
- Live audio squawk for hands-free market updates
- Advanced stock scanner to spot promising trades
- Expert trade ideas and on-demand support
