Novo Nordisk shares rise after Wegovy pill posts solid launch

The article mentions Novo Nordisk shares rose more than 5% after early U.S. prescription data showed roughly 3,100 to 4,290 Wegovy pill fills in its first week following the Jan. 5 launch.

Shares of Novo Nordisk moved higher after early prescription reports for its new oral obesity medicine, Wegovy. The pill launched in the U.S. on Jan. 5 after approval in late December. Analysts described initial demand as a "solid" start but stressed that one data point does not make a trend. The reports come from industry data firms and analyst notes cited in the article. What is known: - Leerink Partners cited IQVIA data showing about 3,100 prescriptions filled for the Wegovy pill in the first week (week ending Jan. 9). - TD Cowen cited Symphony data reported through Bloomberg that showed about 4,290 prescriptions filled in the first full week, with most fills for the starting dose. - Analysts noted that Symphony and IQVIA figures may not include prescriptions processed through Novo Nordisk's direct-to-consumer pharmacy or telehealth partners. - The article mentions comparisons with Eli Lilly's obesity treatments: Zepbound injections had about 1,300 prescriptions in their first week and roughly 8,000 in the second week, and Symphony/IQVIA showed about 1,900 fills for Zepbound in its first full week. Analysts also noted Eli Lilly's oral candidate, orforglipron, is expected to enter the market in the coming months and that formulation differences (Novo Nordisk's pill requires no food or drink for 30 minutes after dosing) may affect uptake. Summary: The article mentions Novo Nordisk shares rose more than 5% on the initial prescription reports for the Wegovy pill, reflecting investor reaction to early demand signals. Analysts called the launch a solid start but emphasized more data is needed, including figures from direct-to-consumer channels, and noted that upcoming competition could shift demand. Undetermined at this time.