COPENHAGEN, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Wegovy-maker Novo

Nordisk has implemented a global hiring freeze

covering job roles that are not critical for its business, the

company said on Wednesday.

The company is battling competition from copycat versions of

its blockbuster Wegovy obesity drug this year and could face

layoffs as it battles rising pressure from its main rival

Eli Lilly ( LLY ).

"We currently have a hiring freeze in non-business critical

areas," the company said in an emailed statement, without

elaborating.

Investors in July wiped $70 billion off the drugmaker's market

value, after Novo - which became Europe's most valuable listed

company following the launch of Wegovy in 2021 - issued a profit

warning and named a company veteran as its new CEO.

The new CEO, Mike Doustdar, who took the helm on August 7, told

Danish broadcaster TV2 on his first day in office that he

would look for cost savings throughout the company and

also consider layoffs.