On Thursday, Novo Nordisk (NOVOb. C.O.) announced third-quarter operational earnings and sales records. Still, it also announced that it will continue to impose supply limits on its wildly successful weight-loss medication, Wegovy.
In addition, the business said in its quarterly financial report that it had applied to U.S. and E.U. regulators in September and October to have Wegovy. This medication lowers the risk of cardiovascular events, as authorized.
That came after findings from a sizable trial published in August, which demonstrated Wegovy’s obvious cardiovascular benefits and raised expectations for the Danish business to break free from its reputation as a lifestyle medication. Novo stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded the application priority review.
Since May, Novo has restricted the number of patients in the United States who can begin treatment due to its inability to meet the rapidly increasing demand for appetite-suppressing, anti-obesity medication.
“While supply capacity for Wegovy is gradually being expanded, the supply of the lower dose strengths in the U.S. will remain restricted to safeguard continuity of care,” the business stated.
Between July and September, Wegovy’s revenues reached 9.6 billion Danish crowns ($1.36 billion), up 28% from the previous quarter and eight times over the same time last year.
Novo said in August that it was anticipated that the restrictions on Wegovy supply would last until 2024. Analysts and investors want clarification on when the supply problem will be resolved, as competitor Eli Lilly (LLY.N) anticipates that its Mounjaro weight-loss medication will be approved in the United States later this year.
The business also said that, compared to the previous year, U.S. prescription volumes for its prevalent weight loss and diabetic medications, known as the GLP-1 class, increased by 50% during the quarter.
For the third time this year, Novo Nordisk increased its operating profit and full-year sales forecast last month, citing robust demand in the U.S. for its diabetic treatment Ozempic and weight-loss medicine Wegovy.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased 33% to 26.9 billion, while sales increased 29% yearly to 58.7 billion Danish crowns ($8.33 billion). These figures were consistent with preliminary data that was presented last month.
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