Novo Nordisk Pledges €432M for Irish Oral Wegovy Plant Expansion Through 2028
Novo Nordisk will invest 432 million euros to expand its Athlone plant in Ireland for oral Wegovy production, with construction running through 2028. The move follows the U.S. launch that treated 246,000 patients and aims to counter Eli Lilly competition while supporting a potential European approval later this year.
1. Investment Plan in Ireland
Novo Nordisk is dedicating 432 million euros to renovate and expand its Athlone facility, increasing oral Wegovy tablet production capacity. Groundbreaking work has started and will continue through 2027 and 2028 to meet anticipated global demand.
2. Oral Wegovy Launch Performance
Since its U.S. debut two months ago, the oral Wegovy pill has been prescribed to 246,000 patients, reflecting strong early adoption of the weight-loss therapy outside its injectable form.
3. Competitive Landscape
Heightened competition from Eli Lilly’s obesity drugs has pressured Novo Nordisk to ramp up oral production and reclaim market share eroded by lower-cost compounded semaglutide alternatives and temporary shortages of injectables.
4. Regulatory Prospects
Novo Nordisk is preparing for a European Medicines Agency review of its Wegovy tablet, with approval anticipated before year-end, which could unlock significant new markets across the EU.