Novo Nordisk Accused of Pay-for-Delay Scheme with Teva to Block Generic Victoza
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
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Source: seekingalpha
- Lawsuit Allegations: Smith Drug, a South Carolina-based wholesaler, filed a class action lawsuit in New York federal court accusing Novo Nordisk (NVO) of colluding with Teva (TEVA) in a pay-for-delay scheme to unlawfully block cheaper generic versions of Victoza, which should have entered the market in 2023 without this deal.
- Market Impact: Teva launched the first generic version of Victoza in 2024, while Novo's first-generation GLP-1 drug had generated $1.7 billion in annual sales by 2023, indicating that the delay could significantly impact Novo's market share and revenue.
- Legal Consequences: Although Teva is not named as a defendant, the lawsuit alleges that Novo illegally paid to delay Teva's generic under a 2019 settlement, which could trigger broader legal and regulatory scrutiny affecting both companies.
- Damages Sought: The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages for Victoza buyers, and a favorable ruling could have significant financial implications for Novo Nordisk, potentially leading to higher legal costs and a crisis of market trust.
Analyst Views on NVO
Wall Street analysts forecast NVO stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NVO is 54.67 USD with a low forecast of 42.00 USD and a high forecast of 70.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
8 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 62.230
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
Current: 62.230
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
About NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company engaged in diabetes care. The Company is also engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The Company operates through two business segments: diabetes and obesity care, and biopharmaceuticals. The Company's diabetes and obesity care segment covers insulin, GLP-1, other protein-related products, such as glucagon, protein-related delivery systems and needles, and oral anti-diabetic drugs. The Company's biopharmaceuticals segment covers the therapy areas of hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. The Company also offers Saxenda product to treat obesity. It offers a range of products, including NovoLog/NovoRapid; NovoLog Mix/NovoMix; Prandin/NovoNorm; NovoSeven; Norditropin, and Vagifem. As of December 31, 2016, it marketed its products in over 180 countries. Its regional structure consists of two commercial units: North America and International Operations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
