Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill launch shows promise, raising hopes of regaining obesity drug market share from Eli Lilly

Novo Nordisk shares jumped more than 8% Friday after early prescription data showed strong demand for its new oral obesity treatment, Wegovy. Analysts at TD Cowen called the debut a “solid start,” though cautioned that more data is needed to confirm sustained demand.

IQVIA reported around 3,100 prescriptions filled in the first week ending Jan. 9, while Symphony data suggested closer to 4,290. Both figures surpass the early uptake of Eli Lilly’s injectable Zepbound, which saw 1,300 prescriptions in its first week. Analysts noted that Novo’s numbers may not yet reflect sales through direct-to-consumer channels or telehealth partners.

The launch positions Novo Nordisk to regain market share from Eli Lilly, which dominated the obesity drug market in 2025. However, competition looms: Lilly’s oral drug, orforglipron, is expected to enter the market in coming months.

Despite its head start, Wegovy’s peptide formulation requires patients to avoid food and drink for 30 minutes after dosing, a potential barrier compared to Lilly’s small-molecule pill without such restrictions.

Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill shows promising early momentum, but long-term success will hinge on patient adherence and competitive pressure from Eli Lilly.