Novo shares rise on US approval of weight-loss pill

Shares in Denmark's Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO rise around 5% after U.S FDA approved the drugmaker's weight-loss pill

Nordnet analyst Per Hansen says it was expected that the pill would be approved in 2025, and would be ready for marketing in early 2026

"Although it was most likely that the 'timeline' would be met, investors have been nervous about the possibility of political obstruction from the American political leadership," Hansen adds

He outpoints that Novo will launch its pill before Eli Lilly, which is expected to be approved within the next 3-4 months

The move gives Novo an edge in the race to market a potent oral medication for shedding pounds as it seeks to regain ground lost to rival Eli Lilly LLY.N