Novo Nordisk Tests Lower Wegovy Doses

Novo Nordisk has launched a late-stage study to determine the minimal effective dose of Wegovy, its obesity drug, in order to maintain its competitive edge against Eli Lilly as the obesity market nears a projected $100 billion annual value by 2030. The 450-person trial, which began on August 12 and is expected to run through 2028, compares two lower doses with a placebo over 60 weeks and will assess weight loss outcomes and side effects. The company aims to identify the lowest dose that still delivers meaningful weight loss, while sources note that many U.S. patients already take one of the two lower doses, with the lower doses costing roughly half as much as higher ones for self-pay patients. Wegovy is currently approved in multiple doses, including 1.5 mg, 4 mg, 9 mg, and a higher 25 mg long-term dose. Novo Nordisk’s efforts come as it faces intensified competition from Eli Lilly in a market expected to grow substantially in the coming years. The trial’s outcome could influence pricing, patient access, and Novo’s ability to defend its leading position in the obesity drug category.