Bagsværd, Denmark — 4 August 2026. Novo Nordisk today announced its financial results for the period 1 January to 30 June 2026, reporting an adjusted operating profit of DKK 33,389 million for the second quarter. The company also raised its full-year 2026 guidance for both adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit, citing stronger-than-expected momentum in its GLP-1 receptor agonist franchise — the drug class that includes Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for obesity, and one of the fastest-growing segments in the global pharmaceutical market.

Financial Performance

Q2 2026 reported sales increased by 3% at constant exchange rates (CER). Growth was negatively affected by a DKK 2.6 billion rebate provision reversal tied to the US 340B Drug Pricing Program — a federal program requiring manufacturers to offer discounted pricing to safety-net hospitals and clinics serving low-income patients — that benefited the comparable Q2 2025 period.

On an adjusted basis, Q2 2026 sales rose 7% at CER, driven by GLP-1 volume growth across all geographies and favourable US rebate adjustments during the quarter.

Reported operating profit for Q2 2026 declined 16% at CER, weighed down by the prior-year US 340B rebate provision reversal as well as non-cash impairment charges of DKK 6.3 billion related to intangible pipeline assets, including DKK 4.0 billion for monlunabant, an oral CB1 receptor antagonist in development for obesity.

Adjusted operating profit for the quarter increased 11% at CER.

Commercial Highlights

The Wegovy pill — an oral formulation of semaglutide offering a needle-free alternative to the established injectable version — continued its strong uptake in the US. For the week ending 17 July, total weekly prescriptions exceeded 265,000. Measured by new patient starts, the Wegovy franchise remains the market leader among branded obesity medications in the US, a space in which Novo Nordisk competes directly with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound products.

The Wegovy pill was launched in the UAE in June and in the UK in July, with encouraging early uptake observed. Additional launches in select markets are planned in the coming quarters.

Wegovy HD was launched in the US in April, while the Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen was introduced in the UK in June. A roll-out of the 7.2 mg single-dose pen across the EU is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

Pipeline Progress

In obesity, the Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen received EMA approval in July, supported by STEP UP trial data demonstrating up to 20.7% mean weight loss.

The Wegovy pill also received EMA approval in July for obesity, based on OASIS 4 data showing up to 16.6% mean weight loss.

In cardiovascular disease, however, the ZEUS phase 3 trial evaluating ziltivekimab — an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody investigated for inflammation-driven cardiovascular conditions — did not meet its primary endpoint.

2026 Outlook

Adjusted sales growth for full-year 2026 is now expected to be between 0% and -6% at CER. Adjusted operating profit growth is similarly projected at 0% to -6% at CER. The improved outlook reflects increased expectations for GLP-1 product sales.

"The Wegovy product portfolio remains a key growth driver for Novo Nordisk in 2026, led by the continued rapid adoption of Wegovy pill in the US, which has reached more than 5 million prescriptions since its launch, alongside encouraging early uptake in markets outside the US and the rollout of Wegovy HD (7.2 mg)," said Mike Doustdar, President and CEO of Novo Nordisk. "The increased US GLP-1 momentum, combined with continued growth and new launches in International Operations, has led us to further raise our 2026 guidance for both adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit."

Earnings Call

An earnings call is scheduled for 5 August 2026 at 13:00 CEST (07:00 am EDT). Investors can access the call via a link on novonordisk.com under the "Investors" section.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. The company employs approximately 66,700 people across 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Novo-B), and its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO).

Company announcement No. 48 / 2026 — Source: GlobeNewswire