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,

Novo Nordisk on Wednesday reported a better-than-expected rise in net profit but lowered its full-year sales growth forecast amid weaker sales of its blockbuster Wegovy weight loss drugs. Sales of the company's popular Wegovy obesity drug hit 17.