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Novo Nordisk Obesity Drug Fails Head-to-Head Trial
23 Feb
Summary
- Novo's CagriSema showed less weight loss than Eli Lilly's tirzepatide.
- The trial aimed to prove CagriSema was as effective as tirzepatide.
- Novo Nordisk shares dropped 11% following the trial results announcement.
In a pivotal head-to-head trial, Novo Nordisk's experimental obesity drug, CagriSema, did not meet its efficacy goals when compared to Eli Lilly's tirzepatide. The study, which concluded as of Monday, February 23rd, 2026, aimed to demonstrate that CagriSema was at least as effective in weight reduction as tirzepatide. However, the results revealed CagriSema achieved a 23% body weight reduction over 84 weeks, falling short of tirzepatide's 25.5% reduction.
This outcome is a considerable blow to Novo Nordisk's efforts to lead the lucrative obesity treatment market. The company's stock experienced an 11% decline by 1002 GMT following the announcement. Despite this setback, Novo Nordisk indicated that further trials are investigating CagriSema's full potential, including higher-dose combinations. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's shares saw a 4% increase in premarket trading.




