Novo Nordisk Sales Growth Could Remain Flat This Year

1233 GMT - Novo Nordisk's sales growth could be flat this year, J.P. Morgan says. The Danish drugmaker recently raised its guidance and now forecasts sales growth ranging from flat to minus 6%. The bank raises its 2026 sales forecasts by 5%, largely due to higher forecasts for diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, partially offset by slowing launch momentum of oral Wegovy in the U.S. Novo Nordisk's top-line could still see modest 1% growth in 2027, JPM says. The bank expects 2% sales growth in 2028, with any further acceleration largely dependent on the successful development of zenagamtide, particularly in the oral format, which could have the highest weight loss of any of the oral drugs. JPM retains its neutral rating for the stock and lifts its price target to 275 Danish kroner from 250 kroner. Shares rise 2.2% to 305.80 kroner.