STAT+: Novo Nordisk’s less-bad news on its Wegovy pill boosts earnings and share price

STAT PlusNewsletterThe Readout Novo Nordisk’s less-bad news on its Wegovy pill boosts earnings and share price Vivek Ramaswamy wins GOP primary for Ohio governor, CellCentric raises $220M for myeloma drug, and more biotech news Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Elaine ChenMay 6, 2026 National Biotech Reporter Elaine Chen[email protected]Elaine Chen covers biotech, co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. We’ve got more earnings today, and my colleague Drew Joseph brings us a dispatch from Rome.Advertisement The need-to-know this morning German drug maker Bayer said it is acquiring Perfusion Therapeutics, a privately held developer of treatments for eye diseases. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech executive-turned politician, won the Republican primary for governor of Ohio on Tuesday. Madrigal Pharma said sales of its MASH drug Rezdiffra were $311 million in the first quarter, topping Wall Street estimates. United Therapeutics also reported earnings. Novo Nordisk saw its shares rise after being able to report some less-bad news. The Danish firm, which had been trailing rival Eli Lilly in the obesity drug market, has gained some recent momentum with the hugely successful launch of its Wegovy pill in the U.S. And in releasing first quarter results Wednesday, Novo ticked up its guidance for the year, saying that adjusted sales will drop from 4% to 12% (the company previously said they would be down 5% to 13%), an identical shift also seen in its forecast for adjusted operating profit. The improving outlook is largely driven by better sales performance, Novo said. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug development, Drug prices, research Submit a correction requestReprints Elaine Chen National Biotech Reporter Elaine Chen covers biotech, co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Biotech May 6, 2026 STAT Plus: Even at a meeting in Rome, FDA shifts are top of mind for gene therapy field The Readout May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Are analysts too quick to gloss over Lilly’s liver case? Advertisement Biotech May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Cytokinetics drug Myqorzo meets twin efficacy goals in study of genetic heart disease Biotech May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Johnson & Johnson advances IBD therapy, despite trial miss The Readout May 4, 2026 UCB to acquire maker of antibody treatments for autoimmune diseases Subscriber Picks