How to benefit from the healthcare industry's comeback in 2026: Novo Nordisk, Vidac Pharma, and Pfizer in focus

Novo Nordisk – The oral era of weight loss drugs

The starting signal for the next round in the billion-dollar race for weight loss drugs has been given. With the FDA approval of the oral version of Wegovy in December, Novo Nordisk has achieved an important symbolic victory. The significance is obvious: the pill opens up a much larger target group, as it lowers the inhibition threshold for many potential patients. While this step was largely expected and anticipated in the share price, the robust price reaction demonstrated that the market rewards clarity and predictable milestones, especially at the end of the year, when quiet doubts arose about a smooth approval process.

Novo Nordisk enters this new chapter with clear advantages. In studies on weight loss in people without diabetes, the 25 mg semaglutide pill performs well with a placebo-adjusted weight loss of around 14% and shows a stronger effect than Eli Lilly's competing candidate Orforglipron in some aspects. Although the first-mover advantage is likely to be short-lived, these few months could be crucial in securing market share and preferences. In addition, the market for obesity treatments continues to grow explosively at rates of over 40%. This is where the real volume growth lies.

Despite these positive signals, 2026 will be all about "proving it." Competitive pressure from Eli Lilly remains enormous, and patent protection for semaglutide is expiring in some important emerging markets, which could lead to price pressure. The opportunity for Novo Nordisk lies in further fueling the dynamically growing weight management segment with the oral pill while achieving a more efficient cost structure and sharper focus under the new CEO. If real demand for the pill exceeds expectations, this could quickly dispel investors' current reluctance. The stock is currently trading at EUR 48.40.

Vidac Pharma – A new approach is gaining momentum

There has long been a paradigm in oncology: the search for specific target molecules on tumor cells in order to eliminate them in a targeted manner. The biotech company Vidac Pharma is now pursuing a radically different path. Instead of flipping a single switch, the technology aims to reprogram the entire derailed metabolism of a cancer cell. The idea is to get the cell to behave normally again and ultimately initiate programmed cell death. This systemic approach could be a game changer, as it addresses a fundamental characteristic of almost all tumors.

Pipeline progress lends weight to this strategy. The lead drug program received approval in December for a Phase 2b trial in Europe treating a specific precursor to skin cancer. Such regulatory milestones are not a formality, but confirm the maturity of the development program. At the same time, the Company has expanded its presence on European stock exchanges, most recently in Xetra trading. This improves liquidity and increases visibility among institutional investors, an important step for further financing.

Everything points to the long-term strategy being aimed at a partnership or even acquisition by a major pharmaceutical giant. This is entirely logical, as the industry is under pressure. Patents for established therapies are expiring in the next few years. So the corporations are hunting for new, promising mechanisms of action, and these can be found here. With a patented, broad-based approach and initial clinical data, the Company is positioning itself as a potentially attractive candidate. Analysts already see the potential and value the pipeline significantly above the current market value. Sphene Capital's price target is EUR 4.20, while the share currently trades at just EUR 0.57. In 2026, clinical trial data from the ongoing study are likely to be the key catalyst for the stock.

Pfizer in 2026: Strategic relaunch gaining momentum

The last few years have been a test of patience for Pfizer shareholders. While the market is climbing to new heights, the pharmaceutical giant's stock is languishing. The reason is well known. The extraordinary pandemic-related profits are melting away, and a massive patent expiry for blockbuster drugs threatens to tear a billion-dollar hole in the balance sheet. But those who only see the short-term weaknesses now may be missing the bigger picture. Pfizer's management is not acting defensively, but is instead pursuing a complete reset with an aggressive growth strategy. 2026 could be the year that finally sets the course.

The linchpin of this strategy is a massive, USD 10 billion entry into the obesity market. With the acquisition of Metsera, Pfizer has not only secured a promising portfolio of injectable drugs, but above all, it is demonstrating its determination. Instead of just watching Lilly and Novo divide the market between themselves, the Company is bringing its entire financial power and development capacity into play. Up to 15 clinical programs are already planned in this area for 2026, many of them in the decisive Phase 3. The Company does not just plan to play along; it plans to help write the rules.

But Pfizer's strength lies not only in its blank checkbook. The real trump card could be the synergistic use of existing infrastructure. The marketing of obesity drugs is a classic primary care task. This is an area in which Pfizer has gained unrivaled experience over decades with veterans such as Lipitor and Eliquis. This global distribution network, relationships, and logistical apparatus are a competitive advantage that newcomers cannot easily replicate. While 2026 will remain a transitional year financially with dilution effects, Pfizer is laying the foundations for new, sustainable growth towards the end of the decade. The share price is currently trading at around USD 25.43.

For strategic investors, 2026 marks the turning point for a sustainable comeback in the healthcare industry. Novo Nordisk is driving the obesity revolution with its oral Wegovy pill and setting new standards. Vidac Pharma is impressing with a radical, metabolism-based approach to cancer and is awaiting important clinical data from its Phase 2b study. Pfizer is embarking on a strategic relaunch and sending a clear signal of growth with a massive USD 10 billion commitment to the obesity market.