Novo Nordisk Option Alert: Jan 16 $110 Calls at the Bid: 1200 vs 1937 OI

Novo Nordisk Option Alert: Jan 16 $110 Calls at the Bid: 1200 @ $5.05 vs 1937 OI; Ref=$82.955

Novo Nordisk Option Alert: May 16 $80 Calls Sweep (53) near the Ask: 1000 vs 378 OI

Novo Nordisk Option Alert: May 16 $80 Calls Sweep (53) near the Ask: 1000 @ $7.312 vs 378 OI; Ref=$81.87

Novo Nordisk Option Alert: Apr 17 $50 Calls at the Bid: 200 vs 2 OI

Novo Nordisk Option Alert: Apr 17 $50 Calls at the Bid: 200 @ $32.36 vs 2 OI; Ref=$81.77

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) Azioni

Novo Nordisk

With roughly one third of the global branded diabetes treatment market, Novo Nordisk is the leading provider of diabetes-care products in the world. Based in Denmark, the company manufactures and markets a variety of human and modern insulins, injectable diabetes treatments such as GLP-1 therapy, oral antidiabetic agents, and obesity treatments. Novo also has a biopharmaceutical segment (constituting less than 10% of revenue) that specializes in protein therapies for hemophilia and other disorders.

Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk

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Nuovi studi dimostrano benefici significativi: ecco cosa potrebbe cambiare nel trattamento del diabete e delle malattie cardiovascolari.

Novo Nordisk ottiene risultati clinici importanti per Ozempic e Rybelsus

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L&#39;analisi sui settori più volatili e le strategie per affrontare le incertezze: ecco i trend da seguire per proteggere il tuo portafoglio.

3 titoli che potrebbero non farti dormire sonni tranquilli

Doctor,Measuring,Obese,Man,Waist,Body,Fat.,Obesity,And,Weight

Global

Nonostante la crescente popolarità dei trattamenti farmacologici, un nuovo studio rivela un trend preoccupante.

Farmaci per perdere peso miracolosi? Intanto l&#39;obesità è fuori controllo

Novo Nordisk AS

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NOVO INTEGRATED SCIENCES by Novo Integrated Sciences, Inc.

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Tidal Trust II Defiance Daily Target 2X Long NVO ETF

Wall Street experienced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44873779/wall-street-rebounds-eli-lilly-rallies-unitedhealth-group-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">resurgence in risk appetite</a> on Thursday as optimism grew around trade negotiations. President Donald Trump expressed confidence in reaching agreements with both the European Union and China. 
On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.3% to close at 39,142.23. The Nasdaq dipped 0.13%, finishing at 16,286.45. Meanwhile, the S&amp;P 500 edged up 0.13%, ending the day at 5,282.70.
These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:
Netflix Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>)
Netflix shares rose by 1.19% to close at $973.03, reaching an intraday high of $984.70 and a low of $956. The stock&#8217;s 52-week range is $542.01 to $1064.50. In the after-hours trading, shares spiked 3.5% to $1,006.79. The streaming giant reported its first-quarter financial results, emphasizing efforts to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44877995/netflix-crushes-q1-says-its-working-hard-to-improve-and-expand-its-offering">improve and expand</a> its offerings. The company continues to focus on enhancing its content library and user experience. For the period, revenue came in at $10.54 billion, a spike of 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. Earnings per share were reported at $6.61, beating the estimate of $5.74.
UnitedHealth Group Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)
UnitedHealth&#8217;s stock plummeted by 22.38% to $454.11, with a daily high of $489.79 and a low of $447.10. The 52-week range stands at $438.50 to $630.73. The healthcare giant faced a steep decline after reporting disappointing quarterly results, attributed to rising healthcare costs. CEO Andrew Witty stated that the current cost structure is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44869920/unitedhealth-ceo-says-high-cost-of-us-health-care-simply-not-sustainable">unsustainable</a>, leading to a downward revision of earnings guidance. UnitedHealth cut fiscal 2025 earnings guidance and expects it to come in the range of $26 to $26.50 from the earlier range of $29.50 to $30 per share.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44866755/mark-cuban-says-this-trump-healthcare-order-could-save-hundreds-of-billions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Says This Trump Healthcare Order &#8216;Could Save Hundreds Of Billions&#8217;</a>
Novo Nordisk A/S&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>)
Novo Nordisk shares fell by 7.63% to $58.08, with an intraday high of $59.06 and a low of $57.28. The stock&#8217;s 52-week range is $57.28 to $148.15. An analyst from BMO Capital Markets downgraded the stock, citing concerns about its performance in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44876055/novo-nordisk-may-lag-behind-eli-lilly-in-cardiometabolic-race-analyst-downgrades-stock">cardiometabolic space</a>&nbsp;compared to competitors like Eli Lilly.
Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>)
Trump Media&#8217;s stock surged by 11.65% to $22.04, hitting a high of $22.77 and a low of $19.82. The 52-week range is $11.75 to $56.55. The company saw its shares rise after filing a complaint with the SEC regarding potential&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44871004/whats-going-on-with-trump-media-technology-stock-today">market manipulation</a>&nbsp;and unusual trading patterns.
Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
Tesla&#8217;s stock edged down by 0.07% to close at $241.38, with a high of $244.34 and a low of $237.68. The 52-week range is $138.80 to $488.54. Despite a decline in new vehicle registrations in California, Tesla remains a significant player in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44857987/tesla-experiences-151-decline-in-new-vehicle-registrations-in-california-report">electric vehicle market</a>, according to recent data.
Trump Media or Netflix? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Find out</a> how they stack up in terms of Momentum and Growth with Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="787" height="106" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17215703/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-10.56.23.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877876" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17215703/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-10.56.23.png 787w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17215703/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-10.56.23-300x40.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17215703/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-10.56.23-768x103.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px" /></a></figure>
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Prepare for the day&#8217;s trading <a href="https://editorial.benzinga.com/wp-admin/Premarket%20Movers%20&amp;%20News">with top premarket movers and news</a> by Benzinga.
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Equities

NFLX

TSLA

Netflix, UnitedHealth, Novo Nordisk, Tesla And Trump Media: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Eli Lilly &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) shares staged their sharpest single-day rally in nearly 25 years Thursday, after unveiling data from a pivotal trial that could cement its leadership in a weight-loss drug market projected to more than triple <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44871681/lillys-diabetes-pill-clears-major-trial-analyst-points-to-global-potential">in size by 2030. </a>
The stock surged, closing the day up 14.36% to $839.96, marking its best performance since June 2000.
In a Thursday note, Goldman Sachs analyst Asad Haider, CFA said Eli Lilly's first Phase 3 trial of orforglipron — a once-daily oral treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity — hit its top-line targets with best-case scenario results across weight loss, blood sugar control and safety.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Data That Moved the Market</h1>
Lilly's ACHIEVE-1 trial evaluated orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, in adults with type 2 diabetes. 
At the highest 36mg dose, patients saw an average weight reduction of 7.9% over 40 weeks — translating to 16 pounds of weight loss, substantially above the placebo-adjusted rate of 6.3%.
For context, that outperforms Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) 's Rybelsus — currently the only oral GLP-1 treatment available — which achieved a 4.9% weight loss at its peak dosage in the SUSTAIN-1 trial.
In addition, orforglipron delivered A1C reductions of up to 1.6%, aligning with injectable semaglutide's performance and hitting a critical target in glycemic control. 
More than 65% of participants on the highest dose achieved an A1C level at or below 6.5%, a threshold defined by the American Diabetes Association as the benchmark for controlled diabetes.
Discontinuation due to side effects was 8% at the top dose, and there were no reported liver injury signals — two key safety indicators watched closely by investors after setbacks in rival studies.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Why Wall Street Is Cheering</h1>
Goldman Sachs analysts wrote that the trial marks "an important clearing event for LLY shares," especially after recent disappointments from rivals like Novo Nordisk A/S and Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) in their respective obesity pipelines. 
The investment bank reiterated a Buy rating and $888 price target on the stock, citing Lilly's potential to dominate a market expected to balloon from $28 billion today to $95 billion by 2030.
Their internal forecasts see risk-adjusted peak sales for orforglipron hitting $23.5 billion by 2035, with commercial rollout starting globally in 2026. That's well above the Street's consensus of $16.8 billion.
"This data trends toward our bull case scenario," Goldman said, noting that investor caution ahead of the binary trial event was likely keeping shares from rallying sooner.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Is Orforglipron The ‘Ozempic In A Pill'?</h1>
Tim Anderson, equity analyst at Bank of America, said Thursday's results were "pretty much a best-case scenario," covering all four key investor watchpoints: weight loss, blood sugar control, tolerability and safety.
Calling orforglipron a potential "Ozempic in a pill," Anderson highlighted its small molecule structure as a key differentiator. 
Unlike Novo's Rybelsus, which is a peptide with cold-chain storage limitations, orforglipron's easier manufacturing and oral delivery method could unlock demand in emerging markets, where injectables face logistical hurdles.
"Positive results like these, in a skittish market, should be received well," Anderson said, adding that the company remains one of the two dominant incumbents in the diabetes and obesity drug space.
Bank of America reiterated its Buy rating and $1,000 price objective, citing Eli Lilly's superior growth metrics: while the stock trades at roughly three times the average pharma price-to-earnings multiple, its expected earnings-per-share growth is five to six times higher than peers, making it relatively attractive on a PEG basis.
Read Now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44873779/wall-street-rebounds-eli-lilly-rallies-unitedhealth-group-plummets-whats-driving-markets-thursday">Wall Street Rebounds, Eli Lilly Rallies, UnitedHealth Group Plummets: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Thursday?</a></li>
</ul>

AMGN

Eli Lilly Rallies Over 14%, Notches Best Day Since June 2000 On Oral Weight-Loss Drug Results: Analysts React

BMO Capital Markets analyst Evan David Seigerman downgraded Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVO/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener"> lowering the price forecast from $105 to $64.</a>
Per Seigerman, Novo Nordisk&#8217;s stock may underperform compared to peers in the cardiometabolic space, particularly Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44871681/lillys-diabetes-pill-clears-major-trial-analyst-points-to-global-potential" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lilly&#8217;s Diabetes Pill Clears Major Trial, Analyst Points To Global Potential</a>
The analyst highlights that Lilly&#8217;s drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, will likely keep gaining U.S. market share from Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Ozempic and Wegovy.
Seigerman noted that although Novo Nordisk initially benefited from being first to market with semaglutide, that early lead is quickly diminishing.
Eli Lilly&#8217;s tirzepatide is rapidly capturing market share, and the analyst projects this momentum to continue.
The analyst pointed out that recent clinical comparisons have shown tirzepatide outperforming semaglutide, and this advantage is already reflected in U.S. script data.
According to Seigerman, tirzepatide&#8217;s continued growth to further slow the momentum of Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Wegovy and Ozempic.
In the near term, the analyst is doubtful that Novo Nordisk&#8217;s upcoming drug CagriSema will be able to effectively compete, citing disappointing results from the REDEFINE trial.
With additional drugs like orforglipron and retatrutide in Lilly&#8217;s pipeline, the competitive pressure on Novo Nordisk is likely to intensify going forward.
Additionally, upcoming data on orforglipron could introduce more competition and weigh on Novo Nordisk&#8217;s stock.
Overall, the analyst does not expect the company&#8217;s 2025 developments to be strong enough to reverse this trend or significantly boost its market position.
Price Action: Novo Nordisk shares are trading lower by 7.1% to $58.41 at last check Thursday.
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Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Ratings

Movers

Novo Nordisk May Lag Behind Eli Lilly In Cardiometabolic Race, Analyst Downgrades Stock

Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) on Thursday reported topline Phase 3 results from ACHIEVE-1 trial of orforglipron compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet and exercise alone</a>.
In the first Phase 3 trial of the ACHIEVE program, orforglipron met the primary endpoint of superior A1C (blood sugar) reduction compared to placebo at 40 weeks, lowering A1C by an average of 1.3% to 1.6% from a baseline of 8.0%, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44860903/eli-lillys-oral-glp-1-drug-orforglipron-hits-phase-3-goals-in-diabetes-trial-stock-shoots-higher" rel="noreferrer noopener">using the efficacy estimand</a>.
BofA Securities analyst Tim Anderson writes, &#8220;Arguably one of the biggest, most important, most closely-watched pipeline events in large cap biopharma has just played out. And it was favorable.&#8221;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44851905/trumps-new-order-targets-drug-pricing-transparency-and-medicare-cost-reduction" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s New Order Targets Drug Pricing Transparency And Medicare Cost Reduction</a>
Anderson says the only other current oral GLP-1 drug is Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) Rybelsus (semaglutide), a peptide with some limitations.
&#8220;The &#8220;key&#8221; with orforglipron is that it is a &#8220;small molecule&#8221; drug, meaning easy to scale and produce &#8211; recall past manufacturing problems with injectable GLP-1s (from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk),&#8221; Anderson adds.
An oral drug like this can help expand obesity treatment outside the U.S., especially in developing countries where keeping medications cold is difficult.
BofA writes Eli Lilly is mainly focusing on selling the oral version in markets outside the U.S., where prices need to be lower. Since oral drugs are easier and cheaper to produce, this makes sense.
&#8220;Positive results like these, in a skittish market, should be received well,&#8221; BofA writes.
BofA forecasts 2030 orforglipron sales of around $10 billion compared to a consensus of around $9 billion.
The analyst maintains the Buy rating, with a price forecast of $1,000.
Anderson writes, &#8220;On a macro perspective, we believe that given the strength of the Phase II data, positive Phase III ACHIEVE-1 efficacy results were expected. However, in light of Pfizer Inc's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) recent discontinuation of danuglipron, tolerability and hepatotoxicity have emerged as more important clinical attributes, in our view.&#8221;
Price Action: LLY stock is up 16.3% at $854.84 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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Photo by shisu_ka via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Lilly's Diabetes Pill Clears Major Trial, Analyst Points To Global Potential

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has expressed support for President Donald Trump&#8216;s 2025 healthcare executive order, emphasizing its potential to reform the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the U.S. healthcare system.
What Happened: In a post on X, addressed to President Trump on Wednesday, Cuban cheered the order that aims to reform PBMs, entities that control 80% of U.S. prescriptions. He emphasized the potential of the order to save billions and improve patient wellness.
Cuban&#8217;s proposals include separating&nbsp;formularies from PBMs to focus&nbsp;on wellness, mandating transparency in&nbsp;claims data to improve patient&nbsp;outcomes, and eliminating&nbsp;specialty drug tiers that inflate&nbsp;costs. He also urged action on issues such as the 340B program's double-dipping, which a 2023 study estimated to cost hospitals $500 million each year.
&#8220;Make them about wellness, not pay for play like a grocery store endcap. This ends rebates and allows for net pricing. It also allows for better care and wellness,&#8221; stated the Shark Tank celebrity. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Gotta be honest. The <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> EO on healthcare and in particular, drug pricing could save hundreds of billions. Here is how: 1. Divorce formularies from PBMs. Require them to come from independent organizations with no economic incentive from the formulary Make them…
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1912628036668739778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Cuban, the founder of Cost Plus Drug Company, also criticized&nbsp;PBM tactics like biosimilar substitution&nbsp;calls, where they push doctors&nbsp;to prescribe pricier drugs for&nbsp;higher margins, a practice enabled&nbsp;by vertical integration. He referenced the&nbsp;1990s FTC concerns when pharmaceutical&nbsp;companies acquired PBMs, leading to&nbsp;mandated open formularies.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44856008/china-dismisses-trumps-tariff-numbers-game-files-wto-complaint-talks-can-only-proceed-based-on-mutual" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Dismisses Trump&#8217;s Tariff &#8216;Numbers Game,&#8217; Files WTO Complaint: Talks Can Only Proceed Based On &#8216;Mutual Respect&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Trump&#8217;s executive order comes as part of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44851905/trumps-new-order-targets-drug-pricing-transparency-and-medicare-cost-reduction">broader effort</a> to lower drug prices and reduce Medicare costs. The administration is set to negotiate prices for a second batch of 15 medications, including Novo Nordisk's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, along with Pfizer's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) cancer treatments Ibrance and Xtandi
Additionally, the Trump administration has disclosed plans for a "major tariff" on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44847222/trump-administration-opens-probe-into-foreign-drug-imports-eyes-tariffs-under-national-security-law">foreign pharmaceuticals</a>. This move could potentially impact the pharmaceutical industry, with the U.S. Department of Commerce launching an investigation into the potential national security risks posed by the country's reliance on imported pharmaceuticals and key drug ingredients.
Meanwhile, Cuban, an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, has always pushed for affordable and universal healthcare. He has consistently pointed out the shortcomings of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44674382/mark-cuban-says-big-insurance-companies-and-pbms-control-healthcare-costs-everyone-has-to-kiss-their-a-and-accept-the-complications">U.S. healthcare system</a>, which is further complicated by large insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.
<ul>
<li>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/44858847/nancy-pelosi-called-us-china-trade-a-job-loserold-remarks-reemerge-amid-trump-tariff-push" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Pelosi Called US-China Trade &#8220;A Job Loser:&#8221; Old Remarks Reemerge Amid Trump Tariff Push</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mark Cuban Says This Trump Healthcare Order 'Could Save Hundreds Of Billions'

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Longbow Research analyst David Macgregor initiated coverage on Twin Disc, Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWIN#NASDAQ">TWIN</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $12. Twin Disc shares closed at $6.66 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TWIN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Rosenblatt analyst Blair Abernethy initiated coverage on RedCloud Holdings plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCT#NASDAQ">RCT</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $5. RedCloud shares closed at $1.71 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RCT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Eva Fortea Verdejo initiated coverage on Bicara Therapeutics Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCAX#NASDAQ">BCAX</a>) with an Underweight rating and announced a price target of&nbsp;$8. Bicara Therapeutics shares closed at $11.76 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo initiated coverage on Relay Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RLAY#NASDAQ">RLAY</a>) with an Equal-Weight rating and announced a price target of&nbsp;$4. Relay Therapeutics shares closed at $2.61 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AFRM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BTIG analyst Sam Eiber initiated coverage on Evolus, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EOLS#NASDAQ">EOLS</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $21. Evolus shares closed at $10.11 on Wednesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying TWIN stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="593" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17074938/image-19-1024x593.png" alt="" class="wp-image-876433" style="width:571px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17074938/image-19-1024x593.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17074938/image-19-300x174.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17074938/image-19-768x445.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17074938/image-19.png 1117w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Photo via Shutterstock

Initiation

AMKR

BCAX

EOLS

RLAY

TWIN

This Twin Disc Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Thursday

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Citigroup cut Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNRC#NYSE">GNRC</a>) price target from $162 to $138. Citigroup analyst Vikram Bagri upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy. Generac shares closed at $110.65 on Wednesday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GNRC/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Chardan Capital slashed the price target for Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADVM#NASDAQ">ADVM</a>) from $40 to $33. Chardan Capital analyst Daniil Gataulin maintained a Buy rating. Adverum Biotechnologies shares closed at $2.98 on Wednesday. See how other analysts<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ADVM/analyst-ratings"> view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Rosenblatt cut Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) price target from $305 to $290. Rosenblatt analyst Chris Brendler maintained a Buy rating. Coinbase shares closed at $172.21 on Wednesday. See how other analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COIN/analyst-ratings">view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Evercore ISI Group slashed the price target for Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>) from $111 to $106. Evercore ISI Group analyst Steve Sakwa maintained an In-Line rating. Prologis shares closed at $100.29 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PLD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>B of A Securities raised the price target for The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>) from $289 to $297. B of A Securities analyst Joshua Shanker maintained a Neutral rating. Progressive shares closed at $275.13 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PGR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>BMO Capital slashed Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) price target from $105 to $64. BMO Capital analyst Evan David Seigerman downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform. Novo Nordisk shares settled at $62.88 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>HC Wainwright &amp; Co increased Oculis Holding AG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OCS#NASDAQ">OCS</a>) price target from $29 to $32. HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Yi Chen maintained a Buy rating. Oculis Holding shares closed at $18.02 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OCS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
<li>Scotiabank raised Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) price target from $600 to $700. Scotiabank analyst Allan Verkhovski upgraded the stock from Sector Perform to Sector Outperform. Intuit shares closed at $588.08 on Wednesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTU/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Canaccord Genuity raised the price target for ServiceTitan, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTAN#NASDAQ">TTAN</a>) from $120 to $130. Canaccord Genuity analyst David Hynes maintained a Buy rating. ServiceTitan shares settled at $117.66 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TTAN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods slashed Walker &amp; Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WD#NYSE">WD</a>) price target from $105 to $95. Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Jade Rahmani maintained an Outperform rating. Walker &amp; Dunlop shares closed at $73.65 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying INTU stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="604" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17084542/image-21-1024x604.png" alt="" class="wp-image-876630" style="width:565px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17084542/image-21-1024x604.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17084542/image-21-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17084542/image-21-768x453.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17084542/image-21.png 1088w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Price Target

ADVM

COIN

GNRC

INTU

TTAN

Intuit To Rally Around 19%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Thursday

WIIM

Novo Nordisk shares are trading lower after BMO Capital downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform and cut its price target from $105 to $64.

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Keybanc analyst Jackson Ader downgraded the rating for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) from Overweight to Sector Weight. Microsoft shares closed at $371.61 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Laidlaw &amp; Co. analyst Yale Jen downgraded iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICAD#NASDAQ">ICAD</a>) from Buy to Hold. iCAD shares closed at $3.07 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ICAD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Steve Barger downgraded Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMKR#NASDAQ">AMKR</a>) from Overweight to Sector Weight. Amkor Tech shares closed at $16.15 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMKR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>BMO Capital analyst Evan David Seigerman downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowered the price target from $105 to $64. Novo Nordisk shares closed at $62.88 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVO/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Keybanc analyst Steve Barger downgraded the rating for Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>) from Overweight to Sector Weight. Teradyne shares closed at $71.16 on Wednesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TER/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying MSFT stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="622" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17073357/image-1-8-1024x622.png" alt="" class="wp-image-876378" style="width:520px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17073357/image-1-8-1024x622.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17073357/image-1-8-300x182.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17073357/image-1-8-768x466.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17073357/image-1-8.png 1082w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Downgrades

ICAD

MSFT

This Microsoft Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Thursday

BMO Capital analyst Evan David Seigerman downgrades Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform and lowers the price target from $105 to $64.

BMO Capital Downgrades Novo Nordisk to Market Perform, Lowers Price Target to $64

On Monday, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) said it had become aware of several hundred units of Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supply chain in the U.S</a>.
The seized counterfeit products feature&nbsp;lot number PAR0362 and illegitimate serial numbers beginning <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk-us.com/media/news-archive/news-details.html?id=915970" rel="noreferrer noopener">with</a> the first eight digits 51746517.
Lot number&nbsp;PAR0362 is an authentic lot number. Only when the lot number is coupled with the eight digits 51746517 it is&nbsp;counterfeit and should not be used.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44672587/eli-lilly-and-novo-nordisk-could-face-policy-shifts-as-fda-oversight-and-tariff-risks-mount-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly And Novo Nordisk Could Face Policy Shifts As FDA Oversight, Tariff Risks Mount</a>
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-use-counterfeit-ozempic-semaglutide-found-us-drug-supply-chain" rel="noreferrer noopener">says</a> that further analyses, including extensive visual examination and chemical testing of the seized counterfeit product, are underway as the investigation continues.
Accordingly, neither Novo&nbsp;Nordisk nor the FDA can confirm the contents or quality of the counterfeit product, which may present a safety risk for patients who use the counterfeit product.
FDA and Novo Nordisk are testing the seized products and do not yet have information about the drugs' identity, quality, or safety.
Additionally, the analysis found the needles from the samples were counterfeit.
Accordingly, the sterility of the needles cannot be confirmed, which presents an increased risk of infection for patients who use counterfeit products.
Based on analyses completed to date, the pen label, accompanying health care professional and patient information, and carton are other confirmed counterfeit components within the seized products.&nbsp;
FDA is aware of six adverse events from this lot, none of which are serious and are consistent with known common adverse reactions to authentic Ozempic, which are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Price Action: NVO stock closed lower by 2.38% at $64.49 at the last check Tuesday.
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Photo by KK Stock via Shutterstock

Counterfeit Ozempic Identified in US Supply Chain With Fake Labels And Needles, FDA Alerts

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SKYE" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skye Bioscience, Inc.</a>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SKYE#NASDAQ">SKYE</a>) stock is trading higher on Tuesday with a strong session volume of 18.49 million compared to the average volume of 196.131k, as per data from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/feature/newsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On Tuesday, the company announced new preclinical data for its novel <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/g44808775/skye-bioscience-demonstrates-over-30-weight-loss-with-nimacimab-and-tirzepatide-combination-in-pre" rel="noreferrer noopener">CB1 antibody, nimacimab</a>.
In a murine diet-induced obesity (DIO) model, after 25 days of treatment, results demonstrated:
<ul>
<li>Greater than 30% weight loss when nimacimab was combined with Eli Lilly And Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) tirzepatide <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(Mounjaro and Zepbound)</a>.</li>
<li>Nimacimab alone demonstrated 23.5% weight loss, comparable to Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) monlunabant and tirzepatide alone.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40964771/novo-nordisks-monlunabant-data-drags-stocks-of-smaller-players" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Monlunabant Data Drags Stocks Of Smaller Players</a>
&#8220;This new preclinical study highlights that a truly peripherally-restricted CB1 inhibitor—nimacimab—effectively drives weight loss in a DIO model. Nimacimab compared favorably to and provided significant additive weight loss when combined with GLP-1-targeted drugs like tirzepatide,&#8221; said Punit Dhillon, CEO of Skye. &#8220;Using higher doses, this study builds on our previous preclinical DIO data in human CB1 knock-in mice that showed significant dose-dependent weight loss. Biomarker analyses demonstrated that nimacimab-driven weight loss was associated with beneficial changes in key hormones, glycemic control, and inflammatory markers.
&#8220;Skye believes nimacimab shows potential both as a monotherapy and in combination with a GLP-1 targeted drug to address unmet needs in obesity with the potential to change weight loss standards of care.&#8221;
Initial data from Skye&#8217;s Phase 2a study in obesity is expected in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2025.
Skye also shared new in vitro data demonstrating differentiated potency characteristics.
This study assessed the potency of nimacimab and monlunabant against two concentrations of the CB1 agonist CP55940.
The first condition evaluated the potency of each drug with a lower concentration of CP55940 (50nM or EC80), while the second condition evaluated potency against an elevated concentration of CP55940 (2000nM or 40X EC80).
These data demonstrated that while nimacimab&#8217;s potency remained relatively stable, the activity of monlunabant when challenged with a higher concentration of a CB1 agonist was significantly impacted.
&#8220;In the context of CB1 inhibition, we aim to realize the weight loss and metabolic benefits of this mechanism without the neuropsychiatric side effects seen with small molecule drugs. In our estimation, the potential of superior potency of nimacimab in this disease state may offer the widest possible therapeutic window among CB1 inhibitors,&#8221; Dhillon added.
Price Action: SKYE stock is up 29.40% at $1.69 at the last check Tuesday.
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</ul>
Photo by shisu_ka via Shutterstock

SKYE

Skye Bioscience's Obesity Candidate Shows 30% Weight Loss When Combined With Eli Lilly's Blockbuster Drug In Animal Models

In March this year, U.S. pharma giant Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) announced the launch of its popular weight loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India, which is expected to have the second-largest population of overweight or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener">obese people by 2050</a>.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there are 101 million people with diabetes in India. Of these, at least 40 million are on medication.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44756157/eli-lilly-abbvie-bristol-myers-regeneron-and-other-pharma-companies-slide-as-donald-trump-confirms-tariffs-on-pharma-companies" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly, AbbVie, Bristol Myers, Regeneron, And Other Pharma Companies Slide As Donald Trump Confirms Tariffs On Pharma Companies</a>
According to a Reuters survey, the launch of Mounjaro in India has sparked a surge in patient interest, with some doctors receiving hundreds of calls about the drug. The survey included 18 doctors, patients, and weight-loss clinic operators.
&#8220;Since Mounjaro came out, we&#8217;ve seen a huge jump in customer interest,&#8221; said Suryansh Kumar, founder of Elevate Now, a weight management company, to Reuters.
Reuters cited his social media post that Elevate Now received over 200 calls in just one week about the drug.
Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru has reported a more than 20% rise in patient inquiries about weight-loss medications, according to endocrinologist Abhijit Bhograj.
The growing interest is prompting some doctors to advise patients to learn more about these drugs before rushing to get them.
A Hyderabad-based bariatric surgeon got over 100 calls in just two days after announcing the availability of Mounjaro.
Reuters notes that Indian patients no longer need to depend on the black market for weight-loss drugs now that the treatment is available locally.
Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, director of surgery at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, told Reuters that switching to Eli Lilly&#8217;s approved drug could cost patients less than half of what they were paying on the black market.
Earlier this month, two sources told Reuters that Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) is trying to move up the launch of Wegovy in India to better compete with Lilly.
Lakdawala also said Eli Lilly will have an early lead over Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Wegovy. Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same ingredient as its diabetes drug Ozempic—a medication often used off-label for weight loss.
Lakdawala told Reuters that many patients using Ozempic have now switched to Mounjaro because it&#8217;s easier to get in India.
Novo may also have to price Wegovy more competitively in India. Mounjaro, a once-weekly injection approved by India&#8217;s drug regulator, is priced at 4,375 Indian rupees ($50.86) for a 5 mg vial and 3,500 rupees for a 2.5 mg vial, its lowest dose, the company told Reuters.
A patient in India may have to spend about $200 a month when taking a weekly dose of 5 mg, subject to doctor&#8217;s prescription.
Lilly has an early lead in India with Mounjaro, but that advantage may be short-lived. In 2026, the patent for semaglutide will expire in India, opening the door for competition. Major generic drugmakers like Cipla, Dr. Reddy&#8217;s, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are preparing to launch lower-cost versions of Ozempic. At the same time, Sun Pharmaceutical is also developing its GLP-1 treatment.
Vishal Manchanda, SVP of institutional research at Systematix Group, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/eli-lilly-weight-loss-drug-anti-obesity-drug-mounjaro-diabetes-drug-glp-1-ozempic-cipla-dr-reddy-s-lupin-mankind-pharma-11742461296043.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> Livemint that even if 0.5% of 40 million use Mounjaro, it would fetch sales of $1.5 billion for Eli Lilly every year.
Price Action: LLY stock is up 0.22% at $755.98 at the last check on Tuesday.
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</ul>
Photo by M7kk via Shutterstock

Asia

Media

Eli Lilly's Mounjaro Launch Triggers Weight-Loss Drug Craze In India, Novo Nordisk Seeks To Move Up Wegovy Launch

A April filing shows that Representative Scott Franklin reported a purchase in Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), valued between $16,002 and $65,000. The transaction date is listed as April 11, 2025, with the report published on April 11, 2025.
At present, Novo Nordisk shares are trading up 2.8% at $66.54.
<h3>Representative's Recent Trading Activity</h3>
Over the previous three years, Scott Franklin conducted 171 trades, totaling more than $5.52 million. The largest of these were in Baldwin Insurance and BRP Group stock. Some of the most notable transactions the Rep. has executed recently include: 
<ul>
<li>Baldwin Insurance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWIN#NASDAQ">BWIN</a>): $1,000,001 - $5,000,000 Purchase</li>
<li>Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): $50,001 - $100,000 Purchase</li>
<li>Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>): $50,001 - $100,000 Sale</li>
</ul>
Here's a summary of Scott Franklin's most recent trades:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Ticker</th>
<th>Stock Type</th>
<th>Amount</th>
<th>Transaction Type</th>
<th>Transaction Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Novo Nordisk</td>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Novo Nordisk</td>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$15,001 - $50,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-03-27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com</td>
<td>AMZN</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-02-26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com</td>
<td>AMZN</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$1,001 - $15,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-02-26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com</td>
<td>AMZN</td>
<td>STOCK</td>
<td>$50,001 - $100,000</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2025-02-26</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
If you want to stay updated on Scott Franklin's trades and other congressional members, check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/members/scott-franklin">government trades tool</a> to track their activity in real time!
<h3>The Importance of Congressional Transactions</h3>
A congressional transaction is when any representative or senator either buys or sells an individual stock.
Anyone working in Congress must file a Periodic Transaction Report to inform the public of their recent transaction within 30 days of being notified of the transaction and within 45 days of the transaction date.
In April 2012, Former President Barack Obama signed the STOCK Act into law. The act prohibits members of Congress from using private information given to them by their position for personal gain such as buying or selling a stock. The act also expanded disclosure requirements for members of Congress by requiring them to file a monthly disclosure.
<h3>Why Congressional Transactions Matter</h3>
Congressional transactions shouldn't be the primary reason for an investing decision, but they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
When a senator or representative makes a new purchase, it could be an indication they expect the stock to rise.
A sale, on the other hand, can be made for a variety of reasons, and may not necessarily mean the seller thinks the stock will go down.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Politics

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Recent Filing Shows That Rep. Scott Franklin Bought Over $16K Worth of Novo Nordisk Stock

<ul>
<li>Seized counterfeit Ozempic&#xAE; (semaglutide) injection 1 mg distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized supply chain</li>
<li>Visual examination of seized product contains counterfeit features; product composition has not been conclusively determined at this time</li>
<li>US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized counterfeit Ozempic&#xAE;&nbsp;and Novo Nordisk is assisting with the investigation</li>
</ul>
PLAINSBORO, N.J., April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk has become aware of several hundred units of Ozempic&#xAE; (semaglutide) injection 1 mg&nbsp;distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized supply chain in the US. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also updated its <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=3737306157&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fda.gov%2Fdrugs%2Fdrug-safety-and-availability%2Ffda-warns-consumers-not-use-counterfeit-ozempic-semaglutide-found-us-drug-supply-chain&amp;a=website">website</a> with information about these counterfeit versions of Ozempic.
The seized counterfeit products feature&nbsp;lot number PAR0362&nbsp;and&nbsp;illegitimate serial numbers&nbsp;beginning with&nbsp;the first eight digits&nbsp;51746517&nbsp;(illustrated above). Lot number PAR0362&nbsp;is an authentic lot number. Only when both the lot number is coupled with the eight digits&nbsp;51746517, is it counterfeit and should not be used.
As the investigation continues, further analyses, including extensive visual examination and chemical testing of the seized, counterfeit product is underway. Accordingly, neither Novo&nbsp;Nordisk nor FDA can confirm the contents or quality of the counterfeit product, which may present a safety risk for patients who use the counterfeit product.
WHAT TO DO: GUIDANCE FOR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS Retail pharmacies are advised to purchase authentic Ozempic&#xAE; (semaglutide) injection 1 mg&nbsp;and other semaglutide-containing medicines through <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=1295684384&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.novonordisk-us.com%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Fnncorp%2Fus%2Fen_us%2Fhomepage%2Fpartnerships%2Ftrading-partners%2Fpdf%2FAuthorized_Trading_Partners_Effective_04_13_2023.pdf&amp;a=authorized+distributors+of+Novo+Nordisk">authorized distributors of Novo Nordisk</a>. Pharmacies are encouraged to review the photographs and information provided above. If there are any concerns about whether your batches are authentic, please call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM EST.
Patients should double-check their Ozempic&#xAE; box to see if it has the lot number PAR0362, and serial number beginning with the first eight digits, 51746517. These products are deemed counterfeit and should not be used. It is important to note that lot number PAR0362 is an authentic lot number. It is counterfeit product only when that lot number has those eight digits in the serial number.
Patients are encouraged to only acquire authentic Novo Nordisk Ozempic&#xAE; (semaglutide) injection 1 mg&nbsp;through pharmacies and to check the product for any signs of counterfeiting before using.
<ul>
<li>If a prescription is filled via a legitimate retailer who uses our authorized distributors, Novo&nbsp;Nordisk believes the risk of receiving counterfeit medicine is minimized. Patients should check the batch number of the product as described above and below.</li>
<li>If you are in possession of a counterfeit product, you are highly encouraged to:
<ul>
<li>Report suspicious&nbsp;Ozempic&#xAE; product with serial number beginning with the first eight digits, 51746517 or other suspected Novo Nordisk counterfeit products, or if patients need additional help determining if a Novo Nordisk product is counterfeit, please call Novo Nordisk customer care at 1-800-727-6500 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM EST.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Report it directly with FDA&nbsp;here: <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=2876111023&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.accessdata.fda.gov%2Fscripts%2Femail%2Foc%2Foci%2Fcontact.cfm&amp;a=Report+Suspected+Criminal+Activity+(fda.gov)">Report Suspected Criminal Activity (fda.gov)</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Report any side effect to FDA's&nbsp;MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program (1-800-FDA-1088 or <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=3777768274&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fda.gov%2Fmedwatch&amp;a=www.fda.gov%2Fmedwatch">www.fda.gov/medwatch</a>) as well as to Novo Nordisk, using the same customer care number (1-800-727-6500).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Websites selling counterfeit and/or tampered medicines should be reported to FDA. Suspected counterfeit products may be reported to FDA by calling your local <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=629605501&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fda.gov%2Fsafety%2Freport-problem-fda%2Fconsumer-complaint-coordinators&amp;a=FDA+consumer+complaint+coordinator">FDA consumer complaint coordinator</a> or by reporting it directly here <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=2876111023&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.accessdata.fda.gov%2Fscripts%2Femail%2Foc%2Foci%2Fcontact.cfm&amp;a=Report+Suspected+Criminal+Activity+(fda.gov)">Report Suspected Criminal Activity (fda.gov)</a>.&nbsp;
Learn more about the responsible use of semaglutide-containing medicines, how to spot counterfeit products and the significant safety and health risks associated with compounded or knock-off "semaglutide" at <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4403728-1&amp;h=3116010602&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.semaglutide.com%2F&amp;a=www.semaglutide.com">www.semaglutide.com</a>.

Novo Nordisk Warns Consumers About Counterfeit Ozempic Injection 1 Mg In The U.S.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>),&nbsp;&nbsp;Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) stocks are trading higher on Monday.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) announced on Monday that it will discontinue the development of danuglipron (PF-06882961), an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist being investigated for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic weight management</a>.
A single asymptomatic participant in one of the dose-optimization studies experienced potential drug-induced liver injury, which resolved after discontinuation of danuglipron.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/42827918/viking-therapeutics-structure-therapeutics-positioned-as-key-pharma-partners-for-weight-loss-products-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics Positioned As Key Pharma Partners For Weight Loss Products: Analyst</a>
Pfizer is one of several drugmakers working to develop an alternative to injectable weight loss drugs. Still, it&#8217;s far behind rivals like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, who already lead the market with weekly injections.
Eli Lilly is developing orforglipron, which could be the first small-molecule weight-loss pill when it launches in 2026. This would give Eli Lilly a two-year lead <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41137681/eli-lilly-nears-first-trillion-pharma-title-but-investors-caution-amid-sky-high-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">before rivals catch up</a>.
In March, Viking Therapeutics completed subject enrollment in its Phase 2 clinical trial of the oral tablet formulation of VK2735, the company&#8217;s dual agonist of the GLP-1 and glucose-dependent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44490486/viking-therapeutics-announces-completion-of-enrollment-in-phase-2-venture-oral-dosing-trial-of-vk2" rel="noreferrer noopener">insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors</a>.
VK2375 is being developed in oral and subcutaneous formulations for various metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Viking expects to report data from the study in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the second half of 2025</a>.
Viking plans to initiate Phase 3 development with the subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 in the first half of 2025.
In June 2024, Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPCR#NASDAQ">GPCR</a>) unveiled 12-week topline obesity data from its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39144875/structure-therapeutics-obesity-candidate-is-very-competitive-to-eli-lillys-orforgli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phase 2a study of GSBR-1290</a>.
In the Phase 2a obesity study, GSBR-1290 demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant placebo-adjusted mean decrease in weight of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/06/g39133591/structure-therapeutics-reports-positive-topline-data-from-its-phase-2a-obesity-study-and-capsule-t" rel="noreferrer noopener">6.2% at 12 weeks</a>.&nbsp;
In July 2024, Roche Holdings AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>) announced topline results from two arms of an ongoing multi-part Phase 1 clinical trial for CT-996 for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39812408/roche-highlights-encouraging-data-from-newly-acquired-second-weight-loss-drug-candidate-in-early-" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes and obesity</a>.
The data showed that treatment with CT-996 in participants with obesity and without type 2 diabetes resulted in a clinically meaningful placebo-adjusted mean weight loss of -6.1% within four weeks.
This data is better compared <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39817857/obesity-drugs-focused-stocks-tumble-on-wednesday-whats-going-on-with-eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-vikin" rel="noreferrer noopener">to existing competitors</a>.
In June 2023, Pfizer discontinued the clinical development of another GLP-1-RA candidate, lotiglipron (PF-07081532), due to pharmacokinetic data from Phase 1 studies and laboratory measurements of elevated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/11/35757948/what-are-pfizers-prospects-in-obesity-pill-market-analysts-say-optimism-cautiousness-surround-wit" rel="noreferrer noopener">transaminases (liver enzymes)</a>.
In March, Altimmune Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>) unveiled the first disclosure of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD) as potential developments&nbsp;for its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44330443/altimmune-expands-weight-loss-drug-pemvidutides-potential-to-alcohol-related-disorders" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity drug, pemvidutide</a>.
Phase 2 trials for pemvidutide in AUD and ALD are expected to start in the second and third quarters of 2025, respectively.
Price Action: LLY stock is up 1.14% at $739.26, NVO stock is up 1.68% at $65.82, ALT stock is up 3.40% at $4.56, VKTX stock is up 13.5% at $25.21
GPCR stock is up 8.36% at $17.23 at the last check on Monday.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44788755/bp-discovers-oil-at-far-south-prospect-in-deepwater-gulf-boosts-upstream-growth-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BP Discovers Oil At Far South Prospect in Deepwater Gulf, Boosts Upstream Growth Outlook</a></li>
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What's Going On With Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics Stock On Monday?

Novo Nordisk shares are trading higher after Pfizer discontinued the development of danuglipron.

Novo Nordisk's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) short percent of float has risen 15.0% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 14.66 million shares sold short, which is 0.46% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.17 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Novo Nordisk Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744308017_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Novo Nordisk has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Novo Nordisk's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Novo Nordisk's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.09%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Is Novo Nordisk Gaining or Losing Market Support?

U.S.&nbsp;President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, disclosed plans for a "major tariff" on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">foreign pharmaceuticals</a>.
"We're&nbsp;going to be announcing very&nbsp;shortly a major tariff on&nbsp;pharmaceuticals… when they hear that&nbsp;they will leave China, they&nbsp;will leave other places because… most of their product&nbsp;is sold here," Trump expressed at&nbsp;a National Republican <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44708204/trump-hints-at-major-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-us-pharma-stocks-tumble-in-wednesday-pre-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">Congressional Committee&nbsp;dinner</a>.
He also told reporters on board his Air Force One plane that "pharma" tariffs would arrive "at a level that you haven't really seen before," saying these would be announced "in the near future," BBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedyylj1v32o" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> added.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44698325/trump-tariff-strategy-self-inflicted-market-debacle-says-wedbush-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Tariff Strategy Creates ‘Self-Inflicted Market Debacle': Analyst</a>
When President Trump announced tariffs last week, he excluded pharmaceuticals from the new tariffs, likely a relief for the industry under pressure following his prior comments suggesting a 25% tariff&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44652075/us-tariffs-spare-drugmakers-but-threaten-diabetes-device-industry" rel="noreferrer noopener">on pharmaceutical imports</a>.&nbsp;
On Wednesday, in a surprise announcement from President Donald Trump, a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries that have not retaliated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs" rel="noreferrer noopener">against U.S. trade measures.</a>
The news ignited a broad risk-on rally, catapulting major indices to multi-month highs and sending volatility plunging.
Trump's latest Truth Social post slammed China for showing "a lack of respect" and declared an immediate 125% tariff hike on Chinese goods.
"At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A. and other Countries is no longer sustainable or acceptable," he said.
He praised the over 75 countries that, in his words, "have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form."
As a reward, those countries would benefit from a temporary 10% reciprocal tariff and a 90-day pause on additional duties.
The biopharma industry has historically been shielded from tariffs, including during Trump's first term.
Although Trump didn't provide many details, his remarks have unsettled buyers, especially those who depend on medicines from India. India provides nearly half of all generic drugs used in the U.S., helping cut billions from healthcare costs.
The U.S. is a major market, buying about a third of India's $13 billion in yearly drug exports.
Indian drug companies warn that if tariffs are added, they'd have to raise prices—which could increase healthcare costs in the U.S.
Even though some companies like Cipla and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDY#NYSE">RDY</a>) have factories in the U.S., most say it's too expensive to move production for low-profit generic drugs.
BofA Securities analyst says if the Trump administration plans to impose tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, it would likely do so through a "Section 232 investigation" under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine whether importing certain goods threatens national security.
The typical timeline for a Section 232 investigation is about a year. If the same timeline applied here, tariffs on drug imports likely wouldn't take effect until late in the year—at the earliest.
It's unclear whether the Section 232 investigation into the drug industry is about to start, but based on recent comments from the administration, it seems possible. However, launching an investigation doesn't guarantee that tariffs will follow.
As the first quarter 2025 earnings season starts soon, analyst Tim Anderson says it will be worth watching whether companies discuss potential tariffs during earnings calls.
That said, any actual earnings impact likely wouldn't show up until sometime after 2025, which could leave investors with more questions than answers.
Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44698325/trump-tariff-strategy-self-inflicted-market-debacle-says-wedbush-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">on Tuesday wrote</a> that "saying we can just make this in the USA" understates how complex the supply chain in Asia really is—and how electronics, chips, semiconductors, hardware, and smartphones have been built for U.S. consumers over the past 30 years."
Shares of major drugmakers such as Gilead Sciences&nbsp;Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Eli Lilly&nbsp;And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>), Roche&nbsp;Holdings AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>), Sanofi&nbsp;SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>), Novartis&nbsp;AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>), Argenx&nbsp;SE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARGX#NASDAQ">ARGX</a>), UCB&nbsp;SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJY#OTC">UCBJY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCBJF#OTC">UCBJF</a>), Novo Nordisk&nbsp;A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>) GSK Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSK#NYSE">GSK</a>) and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) fell on Wednesday, only reverse course later after the 90-day tariff pause.
Read Next:
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Photo by MargJohnsonVA via Shutterstock

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Pharma Industry Faces Jitters As Trump Hints At Historic Tariffs, BofA Outlines Probable Timeline

On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2026 payment update for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weight-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescription drug plans</a>.
This update, along with a final rule issued on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final" rel="noreferrer noopener">April 4</a>, Friday, includes routine annual changes and technical adjustments to both programs.
Under Friday&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06008.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruling</a>, President Donald Trump&nbsp;scrapped the Biden administration&#8217;s move for Medicare coverage for anti-obesity treatments, negating the potential coverage for blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly And Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42896803/medicare-to-cover-eli-lillys-weight-loss-drug-zepbound-for-obstructive-sleep-apnea-treatment" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicare To Cover Eli Lilly&#8217;s Weight Loss Drug Zepbound For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment</a>
In November 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications, aiming to address the high costs that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42192091/biden-proposes-medicare-medicaid-access-for-popular-weight-loss-drugs" rel="noreferrer noopener">have drawn criticism</a>.
In its&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final" rel="noreferrer noopener">fact sheet</a>, the CMS said it &#8220;is not finalizing certain provisions at this time,&#8221; including Part D coverage of anti-obesity medications. &#8220;CMS may address these proposals in future rulemaking, as appropriate,&#8221; according to the fact sheet.
The Biden administration estimated the change could have extended coverage to an additional 3.4 million adults. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 42% of U.S. adults are classified as obese.
As per a media report in March 2024, Medicare may extend coverage for&nbsp;Novo Nordisk&#8217;s weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide) to certain members with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37876911/wegovys-success-medicare-contemplates-covering-novo-nordisks-semaglutide-for-heart-health" rel="noreferrer noopener">history of heart disease</a>.&nbsp;
The CMS revealed that Medicare Part D drug-benefit plans, overseen by private insurers, could potentially cover anti-obesity medications under specific circumstances.&nbsp;
In October 2024, the Congressional Budget Office released a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2024-10/60441-medicare-coverage-obesity.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> warning that authorizing anti-obesity treatments for Medicare coverage could increase federal spending by around $35 billion from 2026 to 2034.
The report added that direct federal costs of covering weight loss drugs would increase from $1.6 billion in 2026 to $7.1 billion in 2034.
Relative to the direct costs of the medications, total savings from beneficiaries&#8221; improved health would be small—less than $50 million in 2026 and rising to $1.0 billion in 2034.
In January this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled the selection of 15 additional drugs covered under Medicare Part D for price negotiations, building on efforts to reduce&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43062779/popular-ozempic-wegovy-selected-for-next-round-of-medicare-drug-price-negotiations" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescription drug costs</a>. The list included Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.
Price Action: At the last check Tuesday, LLY stock was up 3.18% to $746.78, and NVO stock is down 0.41% to $63.38.
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Trump Administration Reverses Biden's Plan For Medicare Coverage Of Obesity Drugs Like Ozempic And Zepbound

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NVO Deadline: NVO Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Novo Nordisk A/S Securities Fraud Lawsuit

Legal

SHAREHOLDER ACTION REMINDER: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors of Novo Nordisk

NVO FINAL DEADLINE: ROSEN, NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS, Encourages Novo Nordisk A/S Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important March 25 Deadline in Securities Class Action – NVO

NVO INVESTOR ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Announces that Novo Nordisk A/S Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit

The Gross Law Firm Notifies Shareholders of Novo Nordisk A/S(NVO) of a Class Action Lawsuit and an Upcoming Deadline

Novo Nordisk expands Wegovy® $499-per-month offering to additional cash-paying patients via the Wegovy® savings offer

ONGOING DEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors of Novo Nordisk

NVO DEADLINE ALERT: Novo Nordisk (NVO) Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens Berman Before Mar. 25th Deadline in Securities Class Action

Novo Nordisk A/S Sued for Securities Law Violations – Investors Should Contact Levi & Korsinsky Before March 25, 2025 to Discuss Your Rights – NVO

Novo Nordisk A/S Investors: Please contact the Portnoy Law Firm to recover your losses; March 25, 2025 Deadline to file Lead Plaintiff Motion

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Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
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