Novo Nordisk on Wednesday managed the unusual feat of seeing its stock price rise after reducing its earnings outlook. But that’s reflective of the tough times the Danish maker of Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs has had.

Novo Nordisk lowered its full-year guidance as copycat versions of its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs in the U.S. hold back sales of its branded treatments.The Danish company’s sales have been hit by alternative compounded versions of its Ozempic and Wegovy drugs,

First-quarter sales rise 18 per cent but Danish pharma group blames custom preparations at pharmacies for weaker take-up