TLDR
- Novo Nordisk will produce Wegovy weight loss pills at its Athlone, Ireland plant for non-US markets
- The pill version attracted 240,000 American users and recorded 38,220 prescriptions in its fifth week
- CEO Mike Doustdar called the January launch “one of the most successful pharmaceutical debuts ever”
- The expansion follows last week’s warning of potential 13% sales decline due to drug pricing pressure
- Novo aims to recover market share lost to Eli Lilly’s competing Zepbound medication
Novo Nordisk announced it will manufacture Wegovy weight loss pills at its Ireland facility for international distribution. The Danish drugmaker is fighting to regain dominance in the obesity medication market.
The company acquired the Athlone plant from Alkermes for €85 million in 2024. Production will serve all markets outside the United States.
CEO Mike Doustdar revealed the pill version has already attracted over 240,000 American users since launching in early January. IQVIA data confirmed 38,220 prescriptions were filled during the fifth week.
“If we were about to throw in the towel, we would not be investing in factories in Ireland,” Doustdar stated. He suggested the pill format might eventually outsell injectable versions.
Strong Early Adoption
Doustdar described the Wegovy pill launch as “one of the most successful pharmaceutical debuts ever.” The oral option provides an alternative to weekly injections for weight loss patients.
The prescription numbers demonstrate rapid market acceptance. Patients appear to prefer pills over self-administered injections.
Novo manufactures the U.S. supply of Wegovy pills domestically. The Irish facility will handle European and other global markets.
The company previously abandoned plans for a factory near Dublin two years ago. The new Athlone investment marks a strategic shift back to Irish manufacturing.
Market Share Battle
Novo faces tough competition from Eli Lilly and its Zepbound weight loss drug. The Danish company previously dominated the obesity treatment market but has surrendered ground to its American rival.
Last week, Novo projected sales could drop up to 13% this year. The forecast caused shares to plunge 20% in a single day.
Pricing pressure from the Trump administration has intensified competition. Novo set Wegovy pill prices at $149 per prescription.
Hims & Hers Health announced plans to offer a version for $49. The Food and Drug Administration quickly issued a warning to the company.
Production Strategy
Novo recently added vial options to match Eli Lilly’s product range. The company now offers Wegovy in injectable, pill, and vial formats.
Last September, the company eliminated up to 75 positions at the Athlone facility. The cuts were part of 9,000 global job reductions.
Doustdar refused to specify the investment amount for the plant expansion. The facility employs approximately 400 workers.
Ireland hosts major pharmaceutical manufacturing operations for multiple companies. Eli Lilly produces weight loss drug ingredients at Irish facilities.
The strong prescription data supports Novo’s decision to expand pill production capacity. The company expects oral medications to capture increasing market share from injectables.
Novo’s Irish investment shows commitment to the weight loss drug market despite recent financial warnings. The Athlone plant will play a central role in the company’s global supply chain for Wegovy pills.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
