Novo Nordisk B – Stock Reaction to FDA Approval of Wegovy Tablet
Immediate Market Response
On 23 December 2025, Novo Nordisk B (NASDAQ: NOVO B) experienced a near‑10 % surge in the Frankfurt market following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the oral, once‑daily tablet formulation of Wegovy, a semaglutide‑based weight‑loss medication. The announcement triggered a two‑digit percentage rise for the Danish pharmaceutical stock, which had been under pressure in recent weeks.
- Frankfurt: Increase of 9.8 % after the FDA decision.
- London: Gains of 8.5 % in the early session.
- New York (after‑hours): Shares moved upward by 6.2 % before the market opened.
The market’s reaction aligns with analyst expectations, with several commentary pieces noting a 10 % upside potential for the share price following the regulatory milestone.
Regulatory Context
The FDA approved Wegovy for oral administration, expanding the product’s availability beyond the injectable form currently used for obesity treatment. The company plans to commence sales in the United States in early January 2026. This approval is the first of its kind for a semaglutide weight‑loss product and is expected to broaden Novo Nordisk’s market share in the rapidly growing obesity and diabetes sectors.
Company Position and Financial Profile
Novo Nordisk operates through two primary segments:
- Diabetes Care and Obesity – The core revenue driver, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy products.
- Biopharmaceuticals – Focused on rare disease and other therapeutic areas.
Key financial metrics as of 21 December 2025:
- Market Capitalisation: DKK 1.35 trillion.
- Price‑to‑Earnings Ratio: 13×.
- Closing Price (21 Dec 2025): DKK 303.50.
- 52‑Week Range: DKK 266.90 – DKK 675.20.
The firm’s strong balance sheet and consistent earnings growth underpin investor confidence in the company’s capacity to capitalize on the expanded Wegovy portfolio.
Analyst Commentary
Following the FDA announcement, several analysts revised their forecasts upward. A consensus view suggests that the tablet format will drive incremental sales, especially in markets where needle‑phobia or logistical challenges limit injectable therapy uptake. The 10 % market‑cap‑adjusted lift reported in the early European trading session reflects this optimistic outlook.
Market Sentiment
European indices remained largely flat in the pre‑market session, with the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 showing muted activity. Novo Nordisk’s performance stood out, reinforcing its status as a leading pharmaceutical player in the obesity and diabetes arena.
Outlook
With the U.S. approval secured, Novo Nordisk is positioned to launch Wegovy tablet sales in January 2026. The company’s existing distribution infrastructure and prior experience with the injectable formulation should facilitate a swift market entry. Investors are closely monitoring the launch timing and early sales data, which will be critical in determining whether the stock can sustain the current upside trajectory.
