This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) said its high-dose version of Wegovy has received a positive recommendation from the European Union’s drug advisory board, potentially opening the door to broader use of a formulation designed to deliver greater weight loss than the standard dose. The European Medicines Agency’s drug review committee supported the higher-dose shot after evaluating results from large clinical trials in people with obesity, both with and without diabetes, according to the company. Novo said the committee’s backing could allow the product to become available early in the new year, subject to final approval from the European Commission.
Novo indicated that weight-loss results from the higher-dose Wegovy could be competitive with Eli Lilly & Co.’s (LLY) Zepbound, underscoring the increasingly competitive landscape in obesity treatments. Management framed the development as part of a broader strategy to expand its semaglutide portfolio, which includes Wegovy and diabetes therapy Ozempic. Novo also highlighted ongoing work on additional formulations, including an oral version of Wegovy alongside the higher-dose injectable option, which could widen patient choice over time.
Beyond Europe, Novo said it filed the higher-strength Wegovy for approval in the US in November. The application includes a national priority voucher that could accelerate the review process, which the company expects may take one to two months. If approvals progress as anticipated, the expanded lineup could support Novo’s positioning as demand for more potent weight-loss therapies continues to evolve amid rising competition.