Novo Is Slipping, UHC Leak, Cali PBM Reform

Hey all,

Happy Monday! It’s been interesting to watch former market leaders like Novo Nordisk and UnitedHealth fall from their perch. Both have been slow to adjust to market developments, with the difference being Novo Nordisk was just bad leadership while UHC had elements of evil involved. Enjoy reading about it in today’s rundown!  

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroRX)

(STAT) Why Novo Nordisk’s Weight Loss Drug Dominance Is Slipping

Novo Nordisk’s early lead in the obesity drug market is eroding as Eli Lilly surges ahead, thanks to bolder R&D investments, a more aggressive marketing strategy, and faster adoption of novel drug platforms like triple agonists and oral small molecules. Despite pioneering the space with Wegovy, Novo’s cautious culture and reluctance to take risks—such as sidelining promising glucagon-based therapies—left it flat-footed as Lilly seized market share with Zepbound and retatrutide. With the obesity drug market exploding, Novo is now scrambling to adapt its strategy and leadership to stay competitive. Full Article

(HEALTH CARE un-covered) UnitedHealth Leak Exposes Priorities

A leaked internal document intended for UnitedHealth Group’s top executives reveals a company more preoccupied with protecting its stock price and executive compensation than addressing patient care concerns. The 18-page briefing, mistakenly sent to a reporter, outlines scripted responses to potential shareholder criticisms amid ongoing federal probes, media scrutiny over AI-driven care denials, and dissatisfaction over executive pay—highlighting a corporate strategy focused on spin over substance. As the nation’s largest health care corporation juggles scandals and leadership upheaval, the leak underscores a troubling disconnect between shareholder value and patient well-being—and marks just the latest entry in UnitedHealth’s unofficial new business line: tanking its own stock. Full Article

(Benefits Pro) California PBM Regulation
The California Senate unanimously passed a bill to expand regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), targeting practices like spread pricing and pharmacy steering, despite strong opposition from employer groups like the California Chamber of Commerce. Supporters argue the bill enhances transparency and curbs anti-competitive behavior, while critics claim it will increase drug costs and limit employers' ability to manage pharmacy benefits effectively. The Chamber even managed to say, with a straight face, that banning secretive pricing schemes and pharmacy monopolies would raise employer costs—comic gold. Full Article