Novo Nordisk's CEO said on Wednesday side-effects were not a problem in the trial of its next-generation obesity drug candidate CagriSema as the company considers dosage escalation and trial length for a new study.

Novo Nordisk's CagriSema trial raised concerns as patients reported weight loss but significant side effects. Investors question trial protocols and transparency as Novo plans a new study.

Investors are upset at a lack of clarity over the results of Wegovy successor CagriSema after trials published in December.

Novo Nordisk on Wednesday said its new trial of its next-generation obesity drug candidate CagriSema will look at dose escalation and trial length to further show the drug's potential, after data in December disappointed the market.

Novo Nordisk reported Q4 sales of $11.96 billion, beating estimates. The company plans a new phase 3 trial for CagriSema in 2025, with results expected in Q1.