Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide is expected to become the world’s biggest selling drug in 2025, via Ozempic in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Wegovy in obesity, but the Danish company’s celebrations may be muted.
Lilly Has The Upper Hand In Obesity In 2025 But Novo Has More Cards To Play
A flurry of big readouts are expected in the supercharged obesity/diabetes space, with Novo Nordisk looking to make up ground against its rival Eli Lilly.

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The company plans a tiered sales approach as it targets endocrinologists for hypothalamic obesity, which is more widely diagnosed than its current indication for Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
Seeking cell therapy approaches to cure type 1 diabetes, Vertex abandons a candidate encapsulated to avoid immune system detection but hopes to file another candidate for approval in 2026.
Novo’s semaglutide has shown its benefits as an injectable in patients with peripheral arterial disease and as an oral agent in cardiovascular outcomes, but stronger results are expected soon from Lilly’s tirzepatide.
The obesity market leader has unveiled its second deal in days, paying $75m upfront for a potential first-in-class ACSL5 inhibitor, while the deal also provides some respite for Lexicon.
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Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.
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