Novo Nordisk reports a real-world study suggesting escalated Ozempic doses may reduce major cardiovascular events versus Lilly's Mounjaro. If validated, the finding could tilt physician and payer preferences toward Ozempic, pressuring Mounjaro's growth; however, real-world data limitations mean near-term impact is uncertain.
Eli Lilly reports an indirect analysis indicating Foundayo 17.2 mg achieves greater weight loss and A1C reduction versus oral semaglutide 25 mg at 52 weeks, based on ACHIEVE-3 and PIONEER PLUS data presented at EASD. While not head-to-head, the findings bolster Foundayo's competitive position in GLP-1 therapies and may support broader adoption in obesity and type 2 diabetes contexts.
Lilly remains the frontrunner in GLP-1 obesity drugs while Novo unveils a broader pipeline with execution risk. Novo’s investor day failed to impress on near-term growth, whereas Lilly highlighted Foundayo’s U.S. uptake and Medicare coverage gains, with about 700,000 seniors on GLP-1 therapies and Lilly capturing roughly 70% of that cohort. Over the longer term, Lilly’s retatrutide and amylin-pathway programs could further widen its competitive advantage.
The FDA approval of Onswik, Lilly’s weekly basal insulin, expands its diabetes portfolio and offers a convenient alternative to daily injections. The late-stage data show non-inferior A1C reductions to glargine across 3,400+ patients, with US availability expected in coming months as a KwikPen at 500 and 1000 U/mL. Near-term impact hinges on payer coverage and adoption by clinicians and patients.
Eli Lilly signals persistent Foundayo momentum as one-third of new GLP-1 pill patients use the drug and weekly share grows. The company broke ground on a $6.5 billion Houston manufacturing campus to be operational by 2030, broadening output for Foundayo and other medicines. Medicare coverage of obesity drugs since July could expand access, underpinning a longer growth runway supported by substantial capex since 2020.
The U.S. FDA has approved Eli Lilly's drug combination for adults with metastatic breast cancer, marking a regulatory milestone for Lilly's oncology portfolio. The approval could expand treatment options, drive near-term revenue growth, and potentially support competitive positioning against rivals, depending on pricing and label details.