Why Eli Lilly’s Obesity Pill Is Still a Strong Contender Against Novo’s Wegovy Despite Mixed Investor Reactions

Eli Lilly’s stock has been on a rollercoaster ride recently. It took a hit after the company released data on its new obesity pill, orforglipron, which didn’t quite meet Wall Street’s hopes. In a major trial, the results showed less weight loss and more side effects than expected. Analysts had hoped for a 15% average weight loss, similar to Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, but orforglipron patients only saw about 12.4% weight loss.

Despite this, there’s still a silver lining. Some analysts argue that orforglipron could carve out a substantial niche in the weight loss market, especially since it offers a daily pill format compared to the injections most users are currently dealing with.

The weight loss drug market is booming, partly due to the growing global obesity crisis. According to Goldman Sachs, the market could hit $95 billion by 2030. They predict that Eli Lilly’s pill, if approved, might control around 60% of the daily oral segment—an impressive $13.6 billion. This demand for easier-to-use medications could benefit Eli Lilly greatly.

### Comparing the Drugs

Both pills work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that helps control appetite. However, orforglipron is a small-molecule drug, making it easier to absorb without dietary restrictions. This could make it more appealing to patients who find the requirements of taking Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide challenging, such as needing to take it on an empty stomach.

On the safety front, the side effects for both drugs are primarily gastrointestinal, like nausea and vomiting. However, Eli Lilly’s side effects seem to be a bit more common. While 10.3% of orforglipron patients stopped due to side effects, this compares favorably to Novo Nordisk, where around 30.9% faced nausea.

### The Market Race

The road to approval for a functional obesity pill hasn’t been easy. Other companies like Pfizer have had to backtrack on their products, while both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk tirelessly pursue innovations.

Market experts like Dr. Mihail “Misha” Zilbermint see both drugs as potential game-changers, but pricing will be crucial. Without insurance coverage, these medications could be financially out of reach for many.

As of now, prices are still under wraps for both drugs. Eli Lilly’s CEO mentioned that price will reflect the value orforglipron brings, sharpening interest in potential healthcare savings.

### Competitors Lagging Behind

Other contenders in the obesity pill market, like Viking Therapeutics, have struggled to produce comparable results. Their trials recently disappointed investors, causing a stock drop.

In a fast-moving market, user opinions can shape trends. Social media is abuzz with discussions around weight loss solutions, reflecting heightened public interest in alternatives that promise convenience and effectiveness.

In short, while Eli Lilly’s orforglipron faces stiff competition, it shows promise in a rapidly evolving landscape of obesity treatments. As more data emerges, the fight for market share will intensify, making it essential to keep an eye on how each company responds to these challenges.



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