How Novo Nordisk's CEO Plans to Target Obesity Market Growth

Global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is positioning itself for growth in the US weight loss market as it navigates a period of transition following challenges in 2025.

The company's CEO since August 2025, Mike Doustdar, has outlined plans to improve performance and build trust with patients, partners and investors while expanding access to obesity treatments.

Mike reflected on the year and shared the company's future direction, emphasising the importance of patient-centred innovation as Novo Nordisk works to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

The company's strategic focus remains on developing innovative treatments whilst maintaining its reputation as a trusted healthcare partner.

Challenges faced in 2025

The pharmaceutical company encountered several obstacles throughout 2025, including intensifying competition in the obesity treatment sector. In October, Novo Nordisk engaged in a bidding war with Pfizer to acquire US biotech firm Metsera, ultimately submitting a US$9bn offer for the company.

Pfizer successfully acquired Metsera, which was viewed as a promising player in the weight loss drug sector. The biotech firm has a pipeline of oral and injectable weight loss drugs in development, explaining why the two pharmaceutical giants were competing for control of the market.

This acquisition highlighted the fierce competition within the obesity treatment space as companies race to capture market share.

Additionally, Novo Nordisk parted ways with former CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, following a 34-year tenure at the company. He agreed to stay on for a transition period as the company appointed its new leader, marking a significant shift in the organisation's executive structure.

New leadership takes charge

With these challenges weighing heavily on the company, Novo Nordisk plans to move forward under the leadership of Mike, who has expressed determination to build on recent successes.

The CEO shared on LinkedIn: "We enter the new year with strong momentum and I want to build on that energy.

"Recent milestones, including US approval of our obesity pill, underscore the strength of our science and the durability of our long term strategy. We have always been a company that creates long term value – you don't get to be 103 years old in any other way."

Wegovy pill launches nationally

As it begins to tackle the new year, Novo Nordisk is looking ahead at the opportunities that 2026 holds. On 15 December 2025, the FDA approved Novo Nordisk's oral version of the obesity drug Wegovy for use in the US.

As of 1 January 2026, the pill has been launched, after previously only being available in an injectable form. It works by imitating the body's natural hormone that reduces appetite, offering patients an alternative delivery method for the treatment.

Compared to the injectable version of the drug, the Wegovy pill is sold at a significantly lower price. According to Novo Nordisk, the launch of the pill "opens new possibilities for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity".

The starting dose of the drug is now available at more than 70,000 US pharmacies including CVS and Costco, representing a substantial distribution network for the newly approved treatment.

This widespread availability demonstrates the company's commitment to ensuring patients can access the medication through their preferred pharmacy providers.

Patient access drives strategy

The company is targeting growth in its operations in 2026, as it focuses on becoming a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the weight loss market. He says the key to this growth is helping improve patient access to the medication they need.

"I resolve to keep patients at the centre of everything we do," Mike added. "Unmet medical need is what drives innovation and in turn, value. If there are patients who can lead healthier lives but can't, it's up to us to work out how to get them there."