Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk raises its full-year forecast after sales of its Wegovy weight-loss pill beat expectations

Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy pill brought in 5.39 billion Danish crowns ($810 million) in its third quarter, a 53% jump from the prior quarter that comfortably cleared analyst forecasts of 4.62 billion crowns. CEO Mike Doustdar credited the obesity portfolio's growth to strong US uptake and promising early launches in international markets. It is the third time this year the Danish drugmaker has raised its full-year guidance.

The Wegovy pill represents only around 6% of Novo's total projected sales, yet analysts see it as the company's main route back to growth after two years in which profit warnings and a leadership change have dogged the firm.

Novo is working to close the gap with US rival Eli Lilly, whose competing Foundayo pill has been winning a growing share of new prescriptions in the weight-loss market.

Adjusted operating profit reached 31.72 billion crowns, up 27% at constant exchange rates and well ahead of the 28.39 billion analysts had forecast.