Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is taking a strategic gamble by lowering the price of its blockbuster obesity medication, even though the move is expected to weigh on its short-term financial performance. Company CEO Mike Doustdar acknowledged that the decision to cut prices in the United States has been challenging but emphasized that it is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding patient access and driving long-term growth. This approach reflects how Novo Nordisk views steep U.S. price cuts for Wegovy as a long-term investment, positioning the company to reach a larger population seeking obesity treatment.
Doustdar shared these insights while speaking to reporters following the company’s recent financial update, which projected a significantly weaker-than-anticipated performance outlook for 2026. The forecast highlights increasing competition in the weight-loss drug market, where companies are facing mounting pricing pressures. Despite these near-term challenges, Novo Nordisk remains optimistic that greater affordability and wider availability of Wegovy could strengthen its market presence and patient base in the years ahead.
