Wegovy sales of Novo Nordisk by quarter 2022-2024

Quarterly sales of weight loss and anti-obesity drug Wegovy increased more than eightfold within only one year. The drug is manufactured by Danish biopharma company Novo Nordisk, primarily known for its focus on diabetes treatments. The most recent quarterly sales figure (Q1 2024) stood at around 9.4 billion Danish kronor.

Why Wegovy has blockbuster potential

Wegovy and Novo Nordisk have been very present in the media lately since the drug is expected to have huge potential in markets with large populations affected by overweight and obesity. In its latest report, the World Obesity Federation estimated the global population that is obese or overweight will increase from 2.6 billion individuals in 2020 to over four billion by 2035. The United States, which is the largest pharmaceutical market globally, is also one of the most obese countries in the world. It is estimated that more than 36 percent of adult Americans are obese. Thus, the preconditions for a drug like Wegovy are more than just a given. This is also reflected in Novo Nordisk's increasing share prices and a currently record-high market capitalization.

The risks of weight loss drugs

Wegovy seems to cut the risks of certain conditions that usually come with overweight and obesity, like stroke and heart attack. But of course, there are also risks that must be considered. The most common side effects of the drugs are nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Doctors also warn that weight loss drugs like Wegovy can lead to serious complications for patients who need anesthesia for surgery when the stomach must be completely empty. There is an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration since these drugs slow down digestion. Another problem weight loss drugs can cause is that people, instead of changing their lifestyle and mostly out of convenience, immediately turn to such drugs.