By Peter Loftus

After losing out to Pfizer for a weight-loss drug startup, Novo Nordisk will now have to count more heavily on its own research labs for new drugs, even as it's likely to continue to pursue other deals. Here are its likely next steps:

-- Wegovy pills. Novo Nordisk's near-term focus is to launch a pill form of Wegovy, the popular weight-loss drug it first launched in 2021 as a weekly injectable. Novo Nordisk has applied for Food and Drug Administration approval, and expects a decision by year end.

-- A next-generation injectable. Novo Nordisk has also has developed an injected combination anti-obesity drug, dubbed CagriSema, and plans to seek regulatory approval next year.

-- More attempted deals. Analysts generally view rival Eli Lilly as having a better pipeline of next-generation weight-loss drugs. Novo Nordisk has solid financial capacity and is expected to remain on the prowl for purchases that beef up its pipeline.

Novo Nordisk's American depositary receipts rose nearly 1% Monday.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 10, 2025 10:36 ET (15:36 GMT)

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