Stock Markets March 9, 2026

Morgan Stanley Points to Supply Limits as Cause of Mounjaro Slowdown in Brazil

Retailers report persistent stock shortages while import patterns hint at a possible rebound in sales data

By Jordan Park NVO
Morgan Stanley Points to Supply Limits as Cause of Mounjaro Slowdown in Brazil
NVO

Morgan Stanley attributes a recent deceleration in Mounjaro sales in Brazil to supply constraints rather than weaker demand. Retailers consistently reported limited inventory even as patient interest remained strong. Weak U.S. GLP-1 imports in December and January may have constrained available product, with a sharp rebound in February imports offering a potential near-term turning point observable in IQVIA reporting.

Key Points

  • Supply constraints - Retail pharmacies consistently report limited Mounjaro availability even as patient interest remains strong; this suggests distribution rather than demand is driving the sales slowdown. (Sectors impacted: pharmaceuticals, retail)
  • Import timing - Weak U.S. GLP-1 imports in December and January may have restricted volumes, while a sharp rebound in February imports points to a possible near-term inflection in IQVIA data. (Sectors impacted: healthcare distribution, pharmaceutical supply chains)
  • Competitive pressure and pricing - Semaglutide shows signs of structural strain as patients transition to Mounjaro; pricing overall is stable with only early instances of selective Mounjaro discounts and no clear evidence of broad portfolio price cuts by Novo Nordisk. (Sectors impacted: biotech, pharma pricing and reimbursement)

Morgan Stanley says the recent softening in Mounjaro sales across Brazil appears driven by constrained supply, not by a decline in consumer demand. The bank cited persistent retailer feedback that product availability has been limited despite continued interest from patients and customers.

According to Morgan Stanley, import flows of U.S. GLP-1 products were light in December and January, a pattern that could have curtailed the volumes reflected in local sales figures. The firm noted a marked increase in imports in February, which may point to a near-term inflection in IQVIA data if the trend is sustained.

For Raia Drogasil, the uptick in imports lowers immediate worries about deteriorating sales momentum. Morgan Stanley, however, emphasized that confirmation in IQVIA reporting is necessary to fully de-risk assumptions about recovery in retail-level sales.

The analysis also addressed competitive dynamics for semaglutide. Morgan Stanley observed structural headwinds for that product, noting that data from Denmark show a plateau as more patients migrate to Mounjaro. The firm expects this pressure on semaglutide to grow following the product's loss of exclusivity.

On pricing, Morgan Stanley reported stability across the market, with only early and selective signs of discounts for Mounjaro. The bank did not find clear evidence that Novo Nordisk has implemented the portfolio-wide price reductions it previously announced.

In sum, the investment bank's read of the current environment is that distribution and import patterns are likely the proximate cause of the slowdown observed in Brazil, while underlying demand signals remain intact. The February import rebound and forthcoming IQVIA releases will be important to watch for confirmation of a turnaround in recorded sales.


Summary

Morgan Stanley believes supply limitations, reflected in retailer reports and weak U.S. GLP-1 imports for December and January, are primarily responsible for the recent slowdown in Mounjaro sales in Brazil. A strong rebound in February imports could signal a reversal in IQVIA sales data; confirmation is needed to reduce uncertainty, particularly for retail players such as Raia Drogasil. Semaglutide faces structural challenges as patients shift to Mounjaro, and pricing has remained broadly stable with only isolated discounting observed.

Risks

  • IQVIA confirmation risk - The rebound in import data needs to be reflected in IQVIA sales figures to fully de-risk the outlook for retail sales; the absence of confirmation would leave momentum uncertain. (Impacted sectors: market data-dependent equity analysis, retail pharmacies)
  • Product substitution and exclusivity - Semaglutide is experiencing structural challenges as patients shift to Mounjaro, and pressure on its market position is expected to intensify after loss of exclusivity. (Impacted sectors: branded pharmaceuticals, generic competition)
  • Supply continuity - Continued limitations in product availability at the retail level could prolong weak reported sales even if demand remains strong, affecting revenue recognition for distributors and manufacturers. (Impacted sectors: supply chain, pharmaceutical distributors)

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