The Gut Punch Weekly #28
GLP-1s could become the "everything drug", Novo stock plummets 20%, Trump's tariff on European drugs may raise prices, and more!
Top Stories
1) GLP-1s Could Become the "Everything Drug"
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are showing potential benefits beyond weight loss, including lowering risks for conditions like Alzheimer's, addiction, and bacterial infections.
A study of nearly 2 million Veterans Health Administration patient records found that GLP-1 drugs reduced the likelihood of dozens of health conditions by 10% to 20%.
The expanding off-label use of GLP-1s, driven by telemedicine companies and high demand, raises concerns about insurance coverage and accessibility – especially given their high cost of over $1,000 per month.
(Axios)
2) Novo Nordisk Stock Plummets 20% After Profit Warning
Novo Nordisk, maker of popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, saw its stock plummet over 20%, to its lowest level in over three years.
The stock plunge came after Novo lowered its 2025 sales growth forecast from 16-24% to 8-14%.
Despite strong sales growth of 18% and operating profit increase of 29% in the first half of 2025, Novo Nordisk expects growth to slow significantly in the second half of the year.
The company's issues are primarily in the United States, where it generates more than half of its sales and faces stiff competition from other GLP-1 drugs and compounded alternatives.
The appointment of a new CEO, Maziar Mike Doustdar, signals the company's urgency to address its declining stock price and market position in the face of increased competition.
3) Trump's 15% Tariff on European Drugs May Raise Prices
The U.S. and EU trade deal imposes a 15% tariff on imported medicines from Europe, potentially adding billions in expenses for drugmakers and possibly leading to higher drug prices and insurance premiums for Americans.
Europe is a crucial part of the global pharmaceutical supply chain, manufacturing active ingredients for 43% of brand-name drugs and 18% of generic drugs consumed in the U.S.
The new tariffs will primarily affect brand-name drugs with high profit margins, while certain generic drugs from Europe will be exempt to avoid exacerbating shortages.
Drugmakers are expected to try passing some costs to employers and government programs like Medicare, potentially resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for patients and increased health insurance premiums.
GLP-1 Industry Intel
Biocon Plans Generic Wegovy Launch in India, Canada: Biocon plans to launch generic versions of the weight-loss drug Wegovy in India and Canada by 2027, aiming to capture a share of the growing global obesity drug market.
Viatris Wins Legal Battle, Paving Way for Wegovy Generic: In a significant victory for Viatris, a federal court rejected Novo Nordisk's claim that Viatris' generic semaglutide label would encourage patent infringement, moving the company closer to launching a generic version of Wegovy.
Dr Reddy's to Launch Generic Wegovy in 87 Countries: Indian drugmaker Dr Reddy's plans to launch generic versions of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug Wegovy in 87 countries starting next year.
Chinese Drug HRS9531 Rivals Eli Lilly’s Zepbound in Trials: Chinese drugmaker Hengrui Pharma's experimental weight loss injection HRS9531 showed promising results in late-stage trials, helping patients lose 18% of their body weight after 48 weeks.
Chinese Weight Loss Drug Eyes US Market with Licensing Talks: Chinese drugmaker Sciwind Biosciences is in discussions with a U.S. company to license its weight-loss drug ecnoglutide, which showed comparable results to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in clinical trials.
Hims Faces Investor Lawsuits After Novo Ends Wegovy Deal: Hims & Hers faces multiple investor lawsuits after Novo Nordisk ended their Wegovy partnership, triggering a sharp stock drop over concerns about marketing and sales of compounded weight-loss drugs.
Food & Wellness Industry Intel
Wegovy Popularity Threatens Danish Supermarket Sales: Danish grocers warn that growing Wegovy use could cut food sales by $187 million annually as weight-loss drugs reduce food consumption across the country.
Weight Loss Drugs Slash Grocery Sales by $6.5 Billion: A new report reveals GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have already cost U.S. grocery stores $6.5 billion in reduced spending, with potential for additional losses of up to $10.8 billion as more Americans plan to start these medications.
Food Brands Must Adapt to GLP-1 Weight Loss Impact: GLP-1 weight loss drugs are reducing demand for snacks and sugary drinks, pushing food brands to innovate with premium, functional, and appetite-friendly products to stay competitive.
GLP-1 Drugs Drive Innovation in Protein-Rich Food Products: As GLP-1 weight loss drugs reshape eating habits, food manufacturers are innovating with protein-rich, fiber-enhanced products and addressing hydration needs to support users' nutritional requirements.
Hims’ Personalized GLP-1 Treatment Achieves 21-Pound Weight Loss: Hims & Hers reports that customers using their personalized GLP-1 weight loss program lost an average of 20.9 pounds within six months, with 75% adherence rate and low side effects.
Frontline Focus
Ozempic Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Use Disorder: A groundbreaking study reveals Ozempic's potential in treating alcohol use disorder, with participants showing significant reductions in heavy drinking days and alcohol cravings compared to placebo groups.
Connecticut Proposes State-Produced Affordable Weight Loss Drugs: Connecticut lawmakers are pursuing a groundbreaking plan to manufacture generic GLP-1 drugs through state partnerships, aiming to reduce costs that currently reach up to $1,200 monthly for patients.
Men Report Greater Confidence Boost from Ozempic than Women: Men using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are experiencing three times more confidence gains than women, along with improved dating and sexual experiences.
Ozempic Weight Loss Linked to Surprise Pregnancies: Weight loss drugs like Ozempic are leading to surprise pregnancies and could potentially increase birth rates as they improve fertility in women with obesity and irregular menstrual cycles.
Teen Obesity Guidelines Influenced by Drug Industry Ties: Research shows significant pharmaceutical industry influence in the development of AAP's childhood obesity guidelines, including $2 million in corporate sponsorships and numerous undisclosed financial relationships.
GLP-1 Clinical Insights
GLP-1 Drugs May Boost Low Testosterone in Men: A study of 110 men found GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro significantly improved testosterone levels, with the percentage of men having normal levels increasing from 53% to 77% over 18 months.
Tirzepatide Outperforms Testosterone for Metabolic Hypogonadism: A new study shows tirzepatide outperforms testosterone replacement therapy for men with obesity and hypogonadism, demonstrating superior weight loss, testosterone production, and erectile dysfunction improvement.
Tirzepatide Benefits Amplified in Higher BMI Heart Patients: A secondary analysis of the SUMMIT trial reveals that tirzepatide reduced heart failure risks and improved exercise capacity in obesity-related HFpEF patients, with greater benefits observed in those with higher BMI.
Tirzepatide High Doses May Reduce LDL Cholesterol: Research indicates tirzepatide could help lower LDL cholesterol, especially at higher doses, but more comprehensive long-term studies are needed to confirm its role in cardiovascular risk reduction.
GLP-1 Drugs Fail to Improve Heart-Lung Function: GLP-1 weight-loss drugs reduce fat and muscle but do not improve heart-lung fitness, prompting experts to recommend exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health benefits.
GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Increased GERD Risk: A new study reveals that people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic face a 27% higher risk of developing GERD and a 55% increased risk of GERD complications compared to those on SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Weight Quickly Rebounds After Stopping Obesity Medications: A new research review of 11 clinical trials found that patients taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may begin regaining weight within eight weeks of stopping treatment, with the rebound continuing for about 20 weeks.
Nausea Most Reported GLP-1 Side Effect in Facebook Study: Analysis of 60,000 Facebook posts reveals GLP-1 medications' real-world side effects, with gastrointestinal issues being most common, while specific drugs showed unique patterns like higher depression mentions for Wegovy and more joint pain reports for tirzepatide.
The Bleeding Edge
New Drug VB-87531 Enhances Weight Loss with Obesity Treatments: A new MOGAT2 inhibitor called VB-87531 demonstrates potent weight loss effects alone and synergistic benefits when combined with GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide in diet-induced obese mice.
New Gel Could Reduce Weight Loss Injections to Monthly: Stanford researchers have developed a self-healing hydrogel that could reduce the frequency of GLP-1 drug injections like Ozempic from weekly to every six weeks.