Novo Nordisk's CEO Mike Doustdar highlighted the launch of a new oral GLP-1 medication as a pivotal step toward expanding access to obesity treatments, emphasizing its potential to reach millions previously limited by injection-based therapies. The move underscores the company’s commitment to scalability and patient convenience.
- Oral GLP-1 pill to launch in 2026, expanding access to obesity treatments
- Projected 70% reach among current treatment candidates within two years
- Average 14.5% weight loss over 52 weeks, matching injectable semaglutide efficacy
- 92% patient adherence rate observed in clinical trials
- Manufacturing capacity to support 10 million treatment courses annually by 2027
- Stock rose 4.3% in pre-market trading post-announcement
Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar revealed key advancements in its diabetes and obesity drug portfolio during a recent discussion, focusing on the upcoming release of an oral formulation of its GLP-1 medication. The new pill, expected to launch in 2026, is positioned as a major accessibility breakthrough, particularly for patients who avoid injectable treatments due to needle phobia or logistical barriers. The company projects the oral version will reach 70% of current treatment candidates within the first two years of availability, representing a 30% increase in potential patient access compared to injectable-only options. The development follows clinical trials showing the oral GLP-1 drug achieved an average weight loss of 14.5% over 52 weeks in participants with obesity, comparable to the 15.1% average seen with injectable semaglutide. This efficacy level, combined with a 92% patient adherence rate in trial phases, suggests strong real-world viability. Novo Nordisk anticipates manufacturing capacity will support 10 million treatment courses annually by 2027, up from 7.2 million currently available via injection. The market response has been positive, with Novo Nordisk’s stock rising 4.3% in pre-market trading following the announcement. Analysts note that expanded access could elevate global market share in the obesity therapeutics segment from 58% to 65% by 2028. Healthcare providers, insurers, and patients in both developed and emerging markets are expected to benefit, particularly in regions where cold-chain storage and medical personnel availability limit injectable treatment delivery.