On Monday, Zhou Yi, CEO of Novozymes Bio ( Novonesis ), stated to CNBC that supplements may become the next major beneficiary in the craze for weight loss drugs, as this biotechnology company is exploring whether microbiome products can help patients who are using popular GLP-1 medications.
In an interview with Squawk Box Europe, CEO Ester Baiget stated, "We have scientific evidence that will support GLP-1 patients feeling better during treatment, as a complementary product to the treatment process." She referred to a study that the company is conducting in collaboration with Novo Nordisk (Novo Nordisk).
She believes that GLP-1 medications and dietary supplements – such as those being developed by Novozymes Biotechnology – can play a complementary role in managing obesity and supporting long-term health.
Baiget says that although medications can help treat obesity, improving the gut microbiome through nutrition and scientifically supported supplements may contribute to long-term health.
The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live in different parts of the human body or on its surface, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, especially the microbial community in the intestines.
Baiget is still optimistic about the commercial demand brought by supplements that have clear health benefits.
She said, "When we provide answers with science, the market will be greatly attracted." Novozymes Biotech is currently researching what she calls "a unique blend," which is a combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, to support patients taking Wegovy and Ozempic as well as other GLP-1 medications under Novo Nordisk.
GLP-1 Drugs Reshape Consumer Spending
The high-profit weight loss drug market, pioneered by Novo Nordisk and its American competitor Eli Lilly ( Eli Lilly ), has had a wide-ranging impact on industries beyond healthcare companies.
From consumer goods and food companies re-evaluating the composition and portion sizes of meals, to fashion companies benefiting from consumers buying new clothes after losing weight, drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound are generally considered to be reshaping consumer spending across various industries.
According to a survey conducted by PwC (PwC) among adults in the UK, approximately 70% of (GLP-1) users have reduced their spending on snacks, while 40% have increased their spending on vitamins and supplements. Over 80% of respondents who have stopped taking medication stated that they have continued to maintain some dietary changes they adopted during their treatment period.
Meanwhile, Grand View Research estimates that the global dietary supplement market will be worth approximately $209.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to over $431.7 billion by 2033.
This market research firm stated that as consumers seek benefits beyond basic nutrition, an increased awareness of health is driving the demand for supplements and functional food and beverages containing ingredients such as vitamins and probiotics.
The global probiotic supplement market is estimated to be worth about $10.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $17.5 billion by 2033.
Some studies have linked GLP-1 treatment to insufficient protein intake and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, but it is still unclear to what extent these issues are caused by the drug itself. Novozymes Biotech is researching products based on the microbiome, which are different from protein and vitamin supplements, and whether they have potential benefits for users of GLP-1 has not yet been confirmed.
The human health business is facing headwinds.
For Novozymes Biotech, if these benefits can be scientifically proven, it could provide a timely boost to its human health business, which is currently under pressure.
The company's human health business saw an 8% decline in organic sales in the third quarter, due to weak demand for probiotic supplements in North American offline channels.
Novozymes Bio was formed in 2024 by the merger of Novozymes, Chr, and Hansen. It is a leading company in the field of enzyme and microbial solutions, with products applied in various industries such as food, agriculture, and healthcare. The uses of its products range from dairy fermentation to dietary supplements.
According to data from Morningstar ( Morningstar ), the company holds a market share of nearly 50% in the enzymes and cultures market, while its competitors, International Flavors and Fragrances ( International Flavors & Fragrances ), have a combined market share of about 20%.
About one-third of Novozymes' total sales come from the North American market, while its human health business accounts for approximately 11% of its total sales.
