Obesity Medication Duel: Eli Lilly Surpasses Novo Nordisk

The competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the highly contested obesity treatment market brings new dynamics into play. Data from GlobalData analysts show that Eli Lilly's Zepbound (Tirzepatide) is expected to surpass Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (Semaglutide) despite growing sales of both drugs. Since its market launch in 2021, Wegovy has revolutionized the obesity market with an average weight loss of 14% in obese patients, filling a previously underserved market gap. The success of Wegovy and the recognition of obesity as a chronic metabolic disease led to a significant flow of investments in this field: according to GlobalData, more than 400 companies are currently developing corresponding therapies. Following Wegovy's success, Eli Lilly launched Zepbound in November 2023, after receiving approval from the US FDA. With an impressive average weight reduction of 20% in patients, Tirzepatide surpasses Wegovy in direct comparison, leading to share losses for Novo Nordisk. Despite drug shortages also having an impact, Zepbound's market presence diminished Novo Nordisk's patient share. Novo Nordisk is defending its market position with additional approvals for Wegovy, such as for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Semaglutide, already approved as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, now has further approvals for obesity and other indications. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is pursuing a similar strategic expansion of application areas and recently achieved FDA approvals for Tirzepatide for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Both corporations aim to expand their patient groups to further increase sales in the future.