Novo Nordisk shares (NYSE: NVO) surged on Friday after UK regulators approved a higher maximum dose of its blockbuster obesity drug, Wegovy—a move that helped restore investor confidence following a volatile week for the stock.
The decision underscores growing regulatory support for expanded obesity treatments and provides a timely positive catalyst after recent market turbulence.
UK Regulator Authorizes 7.2 mg Weekly Dose
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorized a higher dosing option for Wegovy, specifically approving a maximum weekly dose of 7.2 milligrams for adults with obesity.
The approval, granted on January 6, applies exclusively to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. By doing so, the MHRA is giving clinicians greater flexibility to tailor treatment for patients who may require more intensive therapy.
How the New Dosing Will Work
Under the updated guidelines, the 7.2 mg dose will be administered as three injections given on the same day. Each injection contains 2.4 mg of semaglutide, the MHRA explained.
Patients may inject into the same body area, provided that each injection site is spaced at least five centimeters apart. Additionally, the regulator emphasized that needles must be changed between injections. Depending on pen availability, patients may need more than one pen to complete a single weekly dose.
Step-by-Step Treatment Escalation
Importantly, patients will not begin treatment at the highest dose. Wegovy therapy starts at 0.25 mg once weekly, with doctors gradually increasing the dose every four weeks. Consequently, most patients reach a standard maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week.
Only after spending at least four weeks at the 2.4 mg level may prescribers consider increasing the dose further. The escalation to 7.2 mg is permitted solely when clinically necessary, thereby reinforcing the MHRA’s emphasis on individualized treatment decisions.
Limits on Eligibility for the Higher Dose
Despite the expanded approval, the MHRA stressed that the higher dose is not appropriate for all patients. Specifically, it does not apply to individuals who are overweight but have a BMI below 30 kg/m². The policy also does not extend to patients using Wegovy to reduce cardiovascular risk. The authorization applies only to weight-loss treatment.
The agency also guided medication handling. Each Wegovy pen contains four doses of 2.4 mg, and partially used pens must be stored in a refrigerator with the needle removed. Accordingly, patients are advised to confirm pen availability before injecting to avoid incomplete weekly dosing.
Stock Reaction and Market Context
Following the announcement, investors reacted swiftly to the news. Novo Nordisk shares (NYSE: NVO) climbed more than 9% to close Friday’s session at $62.33, thereby rebounding from a decline of over 3% in the previous session.
That earlier drop followed a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by Strive Specialties, which alleges restricted access to lower-cost compounded GLP-1 drugs. Nevertheless, the UK approval helped offset some of those concerns, offering a positive counterweight amid ongoing legal and competitive pressures.
Meanwhile, in a recent note, UBS raised its 12-month price target for Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) to DKK 390 from DKK 295, while maintaining a ‘Neutral’ rating due to valuation considerations.
At the time of reporting, Novo Nordisk’s market capitalization stood at $277.06 billion. The stock is up 27.31% over the past month but remains down 24.83% year-over-year.
Insight: Why This Approval Matters
Taken together, the MHRA’s decision reflects how regulators are adapting to rising demand for effective obesity treatments. Wegovy already plays a central role in Novo Nordisk’s growth strategy, and expanded dosing gives physicians greater flexibility for patients who respond slowly to standard regimens. Ultimately, this added flexibility could improve long-term adherence and clinical outcomes.
From a market perspective, the timing is notable. Novo Nordisk faces legal challenges in the United States as well as intensifying competition in the GLP-1 space. Against that backdrop, regulatory support in a major market like the UK helps counterbalance some of that uncertainty.
Over time, broader dosing options may strengthen Wegovy’s competitive position while simultaneously reinforcing Novo Nordisk’s leadership in the treatment of obesity.
