Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen expressed optimism on Friday regarding the potential of the company’s experimental weight loss pill, amycretin, suggesting it could emerge as a leading treatment for obesity.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant is strategically advancing its position in the obesity treatment market, leveraging the success of its blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy. Novo Nordisk aims to develop a new generation of obesity treatments, including more convenient and potentially cost-effective oral medications.
Jørgensen’s remarks followed the release of promising early-stage trial data on amycretin, which impressed investors.
According to Jørgensen, patients using the pill experienced a weight loss of approximately 13.1% after 12 weeks, surpassing the 6% weight loss observed in individuals taking Wegovy over the same period. This data contributes to the growing optimism surrounding the potential of weight loss pills.
Despite the convenience these pills offer to patients, they won’t be available in the market anytime soon. Novo Nordisk disclosed that a mid-stage trial for amycretin is scheduled to commence in the latter half of this year, with results anticipated in early 2026.
Novo Nordisk’s head of development, Martin Holst Lange, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to launch amycretin within this decade.
Amycretin operates by suppressing appetite through the targeting of the gut hormone GLP-1, similar to Wegovy. However, it also acts on the pancreas hormone amylin, which influences hunger.
Novo Nordisk’s U.S.-listed shares experienced a notable increase of up to 8.3% on Thursday following the release of the trial data, contributing to the company’s impressive 68% gain over the past year. However, the stock witnessed a 2% decline on Friday.
