Novo Nordisk expands obesity drug market in Mexico

Novo Nordisk has reported an 18% increase in global sales driven by obesity medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. In Mexico, where 75% of the population is overweight or obese, the company is preparing for significant expansion. To facilitate easier access, Novo Nordisk has received permission from Cofepris to introduce oral semaglutide tablets, which offer similar weight-loss efficiency to injectable versions.

The company is also increasing its investment in Mexico, with plans to raise clinical study funding from 1 billion to over 3 billion Mexican pesos in the coming years. This growth has already positioned Mexico among the top 10 markets for the firm.

Beyond pharmaceutical sales, the use of GLP-1 medications is beginning to influence consumer behavior in Mexico. According to a study by Worldpanel by Numerator, households with at least one GLP-1 user reduced their purchases of high-calorie products by 20% over a six-month period. While currently affecting 3.8% of Mexican households, the potential market is expected to grow as awareness increases.