Patents, partnerships & tumor strategies: How Novo Nordisk, BioNxt Solutions, and BioNTech are securing tomorrow's profits

Novo Nordisk – Growth, competition, and partnerships

Novo Nordisk posted solid growth in the first quarter. Revenue rose 19% to around EUR 10.5 billion, driven primarily by the blockbuster products Wegovy and Ozempic. The operating margin improved by 100 basis points to 49.7%, demonstrating efficient cost management in marketing, research, and administration. Despite a higher tax burden and special financial items, net profit grew by 14% to EUR 3.9 billion. The figures underscore the robustness of the business model, even if the share price performance is currently overshadowed by short-term market reactions.

The recent presentation of Phase 3 data on Eli Lilly's oral obesity drug Orforglipron caused short-term uncertainty. However, Novo Nordisk is by no means left behind in this area. With Rybelsus, the Company has been offering an oral GLP-1 preparation for diabetes for several years. In addition, the Company is at the forefront of developing new formulations. The 50 mg oral semaglutide variant showed a weight reduction of 17.4% in studies, significantly more than Eli Lilly's 7.9% in the ACHIEVE-1 study. At the same time, Novo is working on innovative combination drugs such as Amycretin, which is already showing early success. The pipeline lead suggests that the Company's competitive position is intact.

Instead of getting bogged down in costly patent lawsuits, Novo Nordisk is focusing on cooperation. The partnership with the telehealth platform Hims & Hers provides access to the discounted NovoCare program. This strengthens distribution in the US and secures long-term customer loyalty. Although the average price per unit is falling, this is offset by the expected volume boost and control over the compounding market. At the same time, the brand is protected from imitation products. The alliance paves the way for the integration of further therapies – a strategic move in the growing healthcare market. The share price stands at EUR 59.55.

BioNxt Solutions – Partnership with Gen-Plus

BioNxt Solutions has relocated its research and development activities to the laboratories of Gen-Plus GmbH & Co. KG in Munich. There, the Canadian biotech company has more than 1,000 square meters of state-of-the-art laboratory space at its disposal, designed for the processing of highly potent active ingredients, GMP-compliant processes, 3D printing, and solid and semi-solid dosage forms. This will enable BioNxt to significantly increase its innovation potential within a European biotechnology hub and accelerate project cycles. The expanded infrastructure will also allow R&D capacities to be expanded and new partnerships to be initiated in the region.

The product range is centered on BNT23001, a sublingual melt film formulation of cladribine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This form of application via the oral mucosa ensures rapid absorption and is gentle on patients with swallowing difficulties. The melt film increases therapy adherence and promises a significant gain in comfort compared to conventional tablets. According to current plans,BioNxt is planning a bioequivalence study for clinical validation, which is expected to be completed in less than 30 days. In the run-up to this, the teams are conducting placebo studies, organizing technology transfer, and scaling up production capacities. Preclinical studies have already demonstrated promising absorption and bioequivalence values.

In the area of intellectual property, BioNxt reached an important milestone in early May 2025. The Eurasian Patent Organisation confirmed the central claims of the first national patent application for the sublingual administration of cancer drugs, including novelty and inventive step. In addition, the Company has completed its patent family in key markets under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, based on a positive international examination report from the European Patent Office. This comprehensive protection secures a strategic advantage for BioNxt and lays the foundation for stronger commercialization of its drug delivery technologies. On May 8, the stock broke out of its sideways phase and headed upward. A share currently costs CAD 0.485.

BioNTech – Strategic decisions and losses

BioNTech reported first-quarter revenue of EUR 183 million, mainly from its COVID-19 vaccine collaboration. The net loss rose to EUR 416 million, driven by higher research expenses, which amounted to EUR 526 million. Nevertheless, the balance sheet remains robust. With cash and cash equivalents and securities of EUR 15.9 billion, the Company has sufficient leeway to achieve its long-term goals. The forecast for 2025 was confirmed. Annual revenue is expected to be between EUR 1.7 billion and EUR 2.2 billion, with the focus remaining on oncology.

The focus is on two promising pan-tumor programs: the bispecific antibody BNT327, which simultaneously targets PD-L1 and VEGF-A1, and mRNA-based immunotherapies. Initial combination studies with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are showing promising clinical data. BioNTech is also pushing ahead with market preparation for its oncology products, including BNT323, a HER2-ADC that could receive approval in 2025/26. The acquisition of Biotheus gave the Company global control over BNT327 – a strategic move in the race for innovative cancer therapies.

Ramón Zapata, an experienced financial strategist, will take over the role of CFO in July 2025. The former Novartis manager will optimize financial processes for future product launches. At the same time, BioNTech is working on a variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025/26 season. Despite declining pandemic revenues, the combination of financial stability and a focus on oncology remains central. This balancing act will determine the Company's future positioning as a multi-product provider. The stock reacted negatively to the quarterly figures and currently costs EUR 86.45.

Novo Nordisk is proving that strategic partnerships in the field of diabetes and obesity are crucial, with strong growth from Wegovy and Ozempic and innovative combination products such as Amycretin. BioNxt Solutions is accelerating the development of the sublingual MS drug BNT23001 through its Gen-Plus collaboration and strengthening its technological leadership with patents. Despite losses, BioNTech is focusing on oncology innovations with candidates like BNT327 and is preparing for commercialization under a new CFO. The overall message from the sector is clear: crises fuel disruptive strategies – investments in digital, mRNA-based, and patient-friendly solutions are shaping the pharmaceutical market of tomorrow.