Novonesis’ CEO told CNBC on Monday that supplements could be the next major area to benefit from the weight loss drug boom, and said the biosolutions company is exploring whether its microbiome products can help patients taking popular GLP-1 drugs.
“As a partner in therapy, we have scientific evidence to support patients who take GLP-1 feel better,” CEO Estelle Beyget told Squawk Box Europe, referring to ongoing research. novo nordisk.
GLP-1 drugs and nutritional supplements, such as those being developed by Novonesis, could play complementary roles in managing obesity and supporting long-term health, she argued.
While drugs can help treat obesity, improving the gut microbiome through nutrition and scientifically-backed supplements may support long-term health, Beighet said.
The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live in different parts of the body, especially in the intestines or on surfaces.
Baiget also sees strong commercial demand for supplements with proven health benefits.
“We’ve found that when science proves an answer, there’s a lot of traction in the market,” she says. Novonesis is currently researching what Bygett calls a “unique cocktail” of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to support patients taking GLP-1, made by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wigobee and Ozempic.
GLP-1 will reshape consumer spending
Novo Nordisk and U.S. rivals are pioneering the lucrative weight-loss drug market Eli Lilly It has far-reaching implications beyond healthcare companies.
From consumer staples and food companies rethinking meal composition and sizing to fashion companies seeing a boom as consumers who downsize buy new clothes, pharmaceuticals like Wegoby and Zepbound are widely thought to be reshaping consumer spending across industries.
According to a PwC survey of UK adults, around 70% of GLP-1 users are spending less on snacks and 40% are spending more on vitamins and supplements. More than 80% of respondents who have now stopped taking their medications said they have maintained some of the dietary changes they introduced during treatment.
Meanwhile, the global nutraceutical market was valued at an estimated $209.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double to $431.7 billion by 2033, according to Grand View Research.
Consumers are looking for benefits beyond basic nutrition, and increasing health consciousness is driving demand for supplements and functional foods and beverages containing ingredients such as vitamins and probiotics, the market research firm said.
The global probiotic supplements market is estimated to be worth approximately $10.5 billion in 2025 and grow to $17.5 billion by 2033.
Some studies have linked GLP-1 treatment to poor protein intake and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, but it remains unclear to what extent the drug itself is involved. Unlike protein or vitamin supplements, the microbiome-based products being studied by Novonesis have not yet been established for their potential benefits for GLP-1 users.
Headwinds for human health
For Novonesis, scientific proof of its effectiveness could be a welcome boost to the human health industry, which is currently under pressure.
The company’s Human Health business reported an 8% organic sales decline in the third quarter, weighed down by weak demand for probiotic supplements sold through offline channels in North America.
The company was created through the merger of Novozymes and Chr. In 2024, Hansen is a leader in enzyme and microbial solutions used across industries including food, agriculture, and healthcare. Its products are used in everything from dairy fermentation to nutritional supplements.
The company has a nearly 50% share of the enzyme and culture market, compared to rival International Flavors & Fragrances, which has about 20%, according to Morningstar.
Novonesis derives approximately one-third of its total sales from the North American market, and Human Health accounts for approximately 11% of its total sales.
