Eli Lilly is extending its lead over Novo Nordisk in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug market. Analysts cite the superior effectiveness of Lilly’s Zepbound in clinical trials. Zepbound has quickly surpassed sales of Novo Nordisk’s rival drug, Wegovy.
Lilly expects to bolster this position with the anticipated FDA approval of its oral weight-loss drug, Orforglipron. This approval is expected by March 2026. Furthermore, the company advances other pipeline treatments, including retatrutide, which has shown significant weight loss results in trials.
Intense competition is pushing both firms to innovate and expand production capabilities to meet surging demand. Lilly boasts a more diversified product portfolio, featuring blockbuster drugs in oncology and immunology. This provides a broader base for growth compared to its more specialized rival.