Biggest pharma blockbuster? All about Wegovy, Novo Nordisk's obesity drug, that cuts risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Novo Nordisk A/S, a leading Danish pharmaceutical company, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with its obesity medication Wegovy. A highly anticipated study has revealed that Wegovy not only effectively addresses weight concerns but also significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among individuals with a history of heart issues.

This unexpected development has not only propelled Novo Nordisk's shares to record highs but has also ignited hopes of redefining Wegovy's perception from being perceived solely as a lifestyle drug. According to Novo Nordisk, individuals with obesity or overweight and a previous history of heart problems who were administered Wegovy displayed a remarkable 20% lower likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event compared to those who received a placebo.

The study's outcome has far exceeded expectations, as investors and analysts had initially projected a modest 15-17% reduction in risk. While the connection between obesity and cardiovascular complications has been widely acknowledged, this landmark study sought to establish a direct correlation between shedding excess weight through medical intervention and its tangible impact on heart disease—a leading cause of mortality in the United States.

The news of this breakthrough resonated profoundly in the market, resulting in an unprecedented surge of over 15% in the shares of Novo Nordisk, cementing its position as Europe's second-most valuable listed company, trailing only behind LVMH. This surge marks the most significant intraday leap in over two decades and reflects the escalating demand for Novo's range of weight management medications, which includes the highly successful Ozempic and Wegovy.