Novo Nordisk Stock Surges On Weight Loss Drug Data and Analysts Say It's Still a Buy
Novo Nordisk stock is paring its year-over-year deficit on positive early stage trial results for the company's new weight loss drug. Here's what you need to know.


Novo Nordisk (NVO) stock is soaring Friday after the Danish pharmaceutical company reported positive early stage results for its once-weekly weight loss drug Amycretin.
The topline results from the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial showed that patients treated with Amycretin achieved a body weight loss of 9.7% in 20 weeks on 1.25 milligrams, 16.2% in 28 weeks on 5 milligrams and 22% in 36 weeks on 20 milligrams of the drug. Meanwhile, patients treated with the placebo experienced weight gains of 1.9%, 2.3% and 2%, respectively.
"We are very encouraged by the subcutaneous Phase 1b/2a results for Amycretin in people living with overweight or obesity," said Martin Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. "The results seen in the trial support the weight lowering potential of this novel unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, Amycretin, that we have previously seen with the oral formulation."
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Based on the positive results, Novo Nordisk said it is now planning further clinical development of the drug.
Is Novo Nordisk stock a buy, sell or hold?
Novo Nordisk has underperformed the broad market on the price charts over the past 12 months, down 17% vs the S&P 500's 27% gain. But Wall Street remains bullish on the healthcare stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for NVO stock is $113.44, representing implied upside of more than 30% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Financial services firm Argus Research is one of those firms with a Buy rating on NVO stock, along with a $110 price target.
"The company is working with regulators on new indications for its GLP-1 treatments and is also focused on launching new products," wrote Argus Research analyst Jasper Hellweg in a January 16 note. "On the fundamentals, the shares trade at 22 times our 2025 earnings-per-share estimate, well below the stock's five-year historical average of 31. Given the company's strong track record and growth outlook, we believe that a higher multiple is warranted."
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
S&P 500 Tops 6,500 Even as Nvidia Slips: Stock Market Today
The world's most valuable company closed lower after earnings, but the S&P 500 managed to notch a new record high.
-
DexCom, GE, SLB: Why Experts Rate These Stocks at Strong Buy
Wall Street gives these three diverse names Strong Buy recommendations with high potential upside.
-
Here's Why Munis Aren't Just for Wealthy Investors Now
Buyers of all levels should be intrigued by municipal bonds' steep yield curve, strong credit fundamentals and yield levels offering an income buffer.
-
Stocks Edge Higher With Nvidia, Fed in Focus: Stock Market Today
The AI bellwether reports earnings after today's close, while Wall Street is keeping a cautious eye on President Trump's attacks against the Fed.
-
The Smart Way to Retire: 13 Habits to Steal From the Wealthy
Check out these practical strategies that anyone can adopt, not just the rich, and get closer to achieving your retirement dreams.
-
Are There Opportunities to Invest in China?
Opportunities to invest in China are plentiful and, arguably, shouldn't be ignored in the U.S. Here's where to look.
-
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda: Are These 5 Stocks Too Overvalued to Buy Now?
Investors worried about missing the boat on overvalued stocks need not fret. These five names, while expensive, are still seeing lots of love from analysts.
-
I'm a Financial Planning Pro: Do Your Family a Final Favor and Write Them a Love Letter
Specify your preferences in this personal document that shares your wishes on how you want to be remembered and celebrated. Your family will thank you for easing an emotional time.