Novo Nordisk’s Stock Outlook Brightens with Oral Wegovy Approval

A significant regulatory milestone achieved by Novo Nordisk just before the year's end has injected fresh momentum into the company's shares. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for an oral tablet version of its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, potentially setting the stage for renewed growth in 2026.

Following a pronounced downward trend that characterized much of the year, Novo Nordisk's stock is displaying tentative signs of stabilization. The share price closed at 43.98 euros in the latest session. While this remains approximately 49% below the 52-week peak reached in February, it marks a noticeable recovery from the lows seen in early August. Over the past four weeks, the equity has staged a moderate rebound, though fundamental pressures persist.

From a charting perspective, the current price sits just above the 50-day moving average but remains well below the 200-day line. This pattern typically indicates an early recovery phase within a broader, weaker trend. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 34.8 further suggests the stock had recently moved toward oversold territory. Consequently, the FDA's decision arrives at a time when a substantial amount of negative sentiment may already be reflected in the share price.

The Catalyst: FDA Greenlights Pill Form of Wegovy

The primary driver for the stock's recent movement is the FDA's announcement on Monday, December 22, 2025. The agency officially approved the oral formulation of semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management. This authorization provides Novo Nordisk with clearance for the first high-dose, orally administered GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically designed for weight reduction.

Key details of the approval include:

• Therapeutic First: It is the inaugural high-dose oral GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss in this format.
• Administration: A daily 25 mg tablet offers an alternative to the established injectable solution, addressing a key barrier for patients with needle aversion.
• Efficacy Profile: In the pivotal Phase 3 OASIS-4 trial, participants adhering strictly to the regimen achieved an average weight reduction of 16.6% over a 64-week period.
• Pricing: The introductory dose (1.5 mg) is being positioned aggressively at around $149 per month for cash-paying patients.
• Launch Timeline: Commercial distribution in U.S. pharmacies is scheduled to commence in early January 2026.
• Supply Readiness: Manufacturing at the company's facilities in North Carolina is already underway to ensure adequate supply at launch.

For the market, the critical combination lies in the drug's high efficacy, convenient oral delivery, and imminent availability. This triad significantly increases the likelihood that the tablet form will reach a broader patient population more rapidly than the injectable version alone.

Gaining an Edge in a Competitive Landscape

Strategically, this regulatory win grants Novo Nordisk a valuable head start in the high-dose oral GLP-1 therapy segment. Its main competitor, Eli Lilly, is developing its own oral candidate, Orforglipron, but has not yet secured final FDA approval.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Novo Nordisk?

While market observers anticipate that Lilly could also receive approval potentially in early 2026, its precise timeline remains subject to regulatory review. This uncertainty opens a strategic window for Novo Nordisk to:

• Establish early market share in the oral segment,
• Secure favorable positions on key formulary lists for insurance reimbursement,
• Strengthen brand loyalty among both patients and healthcare providers before direct competing products arrive.

In the intensely competitive GLP-1 market, an early entry with a new delivery format can shape a company's revenue base for years.

Analyst Sentiment Shifts to Positive

The FDA's decision has also brightened the mood among financial analysts. During the preceding stock correction, cautious assessments were more prevalent. The current consensus rating for Novo Nordisk shares has now shifted to "Buy."

Recent analyst reports show a clear preponderance of buy recommendations, with a representative ratio being 6 "Buy" to 2 "Sell." Experts primarily cite the launch of oral Wegovy as a new revenue driver from 2026 onward. The combination of an already established GLP-1 business with an additional needle-free option enhances the visibility of future earnings for many research firms.

Conclusion: Execution is Key to Capitalizing on Momentum

The FDA approval for the oral Wegovy tablet provides Novo Nordisk with clear momentum in the GLP-1 market and an early advantage in the high-dose oral niche. After a share price decline of nearly half over twelve months, this development could help form a base, provided the U.S. launch in January proceeds as planned.

The critical focus for the coming months will be the product's real-world adoption rate. Prescription volumes, supply chain reliability, and the response from payers will be decisive factors in determining whether the current analyst optimism translates into sustainably improved financial results for 2026.