Novo Nordisk Secures U.K. Oral Wegovy Approval, Faces $30B Patent Cliff in 2031
NVO•Novo Nordisk faces escalating competition from Eli Lilly and pricing pressures with key GLP-1 patents expiring in 2031 impacting $30 billion in annual revenue. The company secured U.K. approval for its oral Wegovy obesity pill and plans a China filing, while Nordea upgraded to Buy and Deutsche Bank holds at DKK290.
1. Competitive Landscape and Patent Cliff
Novo Nordisk contends with rising competition from Eli Lilly in the diabetes and obesity markets and ongoing pricing pressures. A major patent cliff in 2031 will expose drugs generating about $30 billion in annual revenue to generic competition.
2. Oral Wegovy Approval and China Expansion
The company received U.K. approval for its oral Wegovy obesity pill, marking Europe’s first non-injectable GLP-1 therapy. Novo Nordisk plans to file for oral Wegovy approval in China soon, aiming to strengthen its position against Eli Lilly.
3. Mixed Analyst Ratings
Nordea upgraded its rating to Buy reflecting confidence in growth prospects, while Deutsche Bank maintained a Hold with a DKK290 target due to uncertainties around the ZEUS trial and long-term patent risks.
