How did Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) perform in Q1 2026?

Novo Nordisk reported Q1 2026 adjusted operating profit of DKK 32,858 million. While the company saw a 65% increase in operating profit at constant exchange rates (CER), this figure was impacted by a one-time provision reversal related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program in the U.S. Adjusted sales fell 4% at CER due to lower realized prices in the U.S., despite strong volume growth driven by the launch of the Wegovy pill.

What were the key drivers behind Novo Nordisk’s Q1 2026 revenue growth?

The key driver behind Novo Nordisk’s Q1 2026 revenue growth was the successful launch of the Wegovy pill in the U.S., which contributed to over 1.3 million prescriptions in the quarter. The company’s obesity care segment, particularly Wegovy, saw significant demand, although pricing pressures in the U.S. weighed on overall revenue growth. International markets also saw growth in volume demand, helping to offset U.S. pricing dynamics.

How did the launch of the Wegovy pill impact Novo Nordisk’s performance?

The launch of the Wegovy pill in January 2026 redefined the GLP-1 market. In the week ending April 17, total weekly prescriptions for Wegovy exceeded 200,000, marking the strongest-ever volume launch for a GLP-1 product in the U.S. Sales for Wegovy reached DKK 2,256 million, contributing significantly to the company’s overall performance, especially in the obesity care segment.

How did Novo Nordisk manage pricing headwinds in Q1 2026?

Novo Nordisk faced significant pricing headwinds in the U.S., with adjusted sales falling 11% in the U.S. segment. This was largely due to lower realized prices, likely related to the impact of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and broader market dynamics. Despite these challenges, the company was able to maintain strong volume growth in both the U.S. and international markets, especially driven by its GLP-1 portfolio.

What is the outlook for the Wegovy pill in international markets?

Novo Nordisk expects the Wegovy pill to begin its international rollout in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval. This expansion is expected to further boost the company’s growth in the obesity care segment, driven by strong demand for the product across global markets.

Novo Nordisk lifts FY outlook as Wegovy pill sets historic launch record

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May. 6 2026Last Updated May. 6 2026

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) reported a landmark start to 2026, headlined by the historic commercial debut of the Wegovy pill in the United States.

While the company raised its full-year guidance on the back of surging GLP-1 demand, the first-quarter results highlighted a complex interplay between massive volume growth and significant pricing headwinds in the American market.

Adjusted operating profit for the quarter reached DKK 32,858 million.

On a reported basis, operating profit surged 65% at constant exchange rates (CER), though this figure was heavily skewed by a one-time provision reversal related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program in the U.S.

When adjusting for this reversal, operating profit decreased by 6% at CER.

Similarly, reported sales grew 32%, but adjusted sales fell 4% at CER as lower realized prices in the U.S. outweighed volume gains.

The January 5 launch of the Wegovy pill has redefined the GLP-1 market.

For the week ending April 17, total weekly prescriptions exceeded 200,000, contributing to a total of 1.3 million prescriptions in the first quarter alone.

This performance marks the strongest-ever volume launch for a GLP-1 product in the U.S.

Sales for the pill reached DKK 2,256 million, aided by initial pipeline filling across wholesaler and telehealth channels.

The obesity care segment remains the primary growth engine, with adjusted sales rising 22% at CER.

While U.S. adjusted sales fell 11% due to pricing dynamics, International Operations grew 6%, driven by consistent volume demand.

Pending regulatory approval, the Wegovy pill is expected to begin its international rollout during the second half of 2026.

Bolstered by the unprecedented uptake of its GLP-1 portfolio, Novo Nordisk raised its full-year 2026 expectations.

The company now expects adjusted sales growth and adjusted operating profit growth—both excluding the 340B provision reversal—to range between -4% and -12% at CER.