Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk<\/b> is forecasting a sharp decline in revenue this year, which has already been reflected in a 17% drop<\/b> in the company\u2019s stock price. Management attributes this decline to “painful” pressure from the Donald Trump administration<\/b> to lower drug prices, as well as increased competition. As a result, after years of double-digit growth, sales are expected to decrease between 5% and 13%<\/b> this year.<\/p>\n
The price reductions have particularly impacted the popular drugs Ozempic<\/b> and Wegovy<\/b>. Based on an agreement reached with the White House, the monthly cost of these medications has dropped from approximately $1,000 to an average of $350<\/b>. Furthermore, the patent for the primary ingredient in several countries, including India, has expired, allowing other manufacturers to introduce significantly cheaper generic versions to the market.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s CEO, Lars Fruergaard J\u00f8rgensen<\/b> (noted as Mike Dustdar in your text), describes 2026 as a period of “unprecedented pricing pressure.” However, he noted that lower prices are driving up demand, as evidenced by the successful launch of new Wegovy pills<\/b> in the U.S. market. By late January, 50,000 weekly prescriptions were already being written for this drug. This gives the company hope that the increased volume of sales will partially offset financial losses.<\/p>\n
Novo Nordisk\u2019s situation contrasts sharply with its main rival, Eli Lilly<\/b>, whose shares have conversely increased. Eli Lilly reached a valuation of $1 trillion<\/b> last year and expects a 45% growth<\/b> in sales this year. According to clinical trials, the company\u2019s drug Mounjaro<\/b> proved more effective for weight loss than its Danish competitor\u2019s product, giving Eli Lilly a market advantage.<\/p>\n