Inside the Booming Obesity Drug Market: Weight Loss ETFs to Win
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 16 2024
0mins
Should l Buy LLY?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Growth of Weight Loss Medications: The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a surge in weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, driven by rising obesity rates and related health conditions. The global market for anti-obesity drugs is projected to reach $50 billion by 2030.
Emerging Competitors and Innovations: Companies such as Zealand Pharma and Viking Therapeutics are developing new weight loss treatments, including oral options and alternative hormone therapies, indicating a competitive landscape alongside established players Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
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Analyst Views on LLY
Wall Street analysts forecast LLY stock price to rise
20 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 903.990
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
Current: 903.990
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
About LLY
Eli Lilly and Company is a medicine company, which discovers, develops, manufactures, and market products in a single business segment called human pharmaceutical products. The Company manufacture and distribute its products through facilities in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and in Europe and Asia. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 90 countries. Its Cardiometabolic Health products Basaglar; Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, and others; Humulin, Humulin 70/30, and others; Jardiance; Mounjaro; Trulicity; Zepbound, and others. Its oncology products include Cyramza, Erbitux, Tyvyt, Verzenio, Retevmo, Jaypirca, and others. Its immunology products include Ebglyss, Olumiant, Omvoh, and Taltz. Its neuroscience products include Emgality and Kisunla. Its LillyDirect, a direct-to-patient digital health care platform, provides delivery of select Lilly medicines dispensed by third-party pharmacies to patients.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Eli Lilly to Announce Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Date: Eli Lilly is set to release its Q1 2026 financial results on April 30, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: On the same day, Lilly will conduct a conference call at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to provide detailed insights into its financial performance, aimed at bolstering market confidence.
- Live Webcast Availability: Investors, media, and the general public can access a live webcast of the conference call through a link on Lilly's website, ensuring broad dissemination of information and transparency.
- Replay Feature: Following the call, a replay will be available on the website, further enhancing accessibility to information and aiding investors in understanding the company's financial status.
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Positive Phase 3 Results for Foundayo in Diabetes Treatment
- Cardiovascular Event Risk Reduction: In a study involving over 2,700 adults with type 2 diabetes, patients taking Foundayo experienced a 16% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those on insulin glargine, indicating Foundayo's significant advantage in cardiovascular safety, which may attract more patients to choose this medication.
- Significant Mortality Risk Reduction: A pre-planned analysis revealed that patients on Foundayo had a 57% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those on insulin glargine, further enhancing Foundayo's appeal as a diabetes treatment and potentially increasing its market acceptance.
- FDA Submission Plans: Based on the trial results, Eli Lilly plans to submit an application for Foundayo's approval to the FDA by the end of Q2, which, if approved, could open new market opportunities for the company in diabetes treatment and strengthen its product portfolio.
- Market Competition Dynamics: Despite the positive clinical results for Foundayo, retail investor sentiment towards Eli Lilly remains bearish, likely due to intense competition in the weight-loss drug market, particularly from Novo Nordisk, which may affect investor confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
Eli Lilly's Foundayo Prescriptions Surge Post Launch
- Prescription Surge: Eli Lilly's new weight loss pill, Foundayo, saw prescriptions reach 1,390 for the week ending April 10, indicating a strong market response since its launch earlier this month, reflecting consumer acceptance of the new therapy.
- Competitor Performance: In contrast, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy approached 113,354 prescriptions during the same week, up from 105,366 the previous week, highlighting the sustained demand for GLP-1 drugs and intensifying competition in the market.
- FDA Approval Impact: Foundayo received FDA approval on April 1 as a once-daily treatment for obese or overweight adults, quickly accepting prescriptions through LillyDirect, showcasing the company's rapid market response capabilities.
- Market Outlook: With the launch of Foundayo, Eli Lilly significantly enhances its competitive position in the GLP-1 market, expected to challenge Novo Nordisk's market share and drive further growth in the overall weight loss drug market.
See More
Viking Therapeutics: A Potential Obesity Market Leader
- Surging Market Demand: The obesity treatment sector is experiencing explosive demand, with projections suggesting a market size nearing $100 billion by the decade's end, positioning Viking Therapeutics as a potential beneficiary of significant revenue opportunities.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking's VK2735 injectable is currently in phase 3 trials, having completed enrollment ahead of schedule, indicating strong patient interest; successful trial outcomes could pave the way for commercialization and revenue generation.
- Competitive Edge: As a GLP-1 class drug, Viking's candidate could provide a competitive alternative to existing products from Lilly and Novo, potentially capturing market share and generating substantial income if it successfully enters the market.
- Investment Return Potential: Although Viking has yet to achieve profitability, its stock surged 121% on positive phase 2 news, highlighting its volatility; continued positive developments could yield significant returns for investors in the future.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Targets Billion-Dollar Obesity Market
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 injectable is currently in a phase 3 trial that completed enrollment ahead of schedule, indicating strong market demand for this potential new drug, which could secure a foothold in the obesity drug market if successful.
- Massive Market Potential: The obesity drug market is projected to approach $100 billion by 2030, and if Viking's products are successfully commercialized, the company could capture a significant share of this lucrative market, driving substantial growth.
- Competitive Landscape Analysis: With Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominating the market, Viking's promising clinical candidates could generate considerable revenue if they reach commercialization, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position.
- Investor Attention: Although Viking's stock surged 121% in early 2024 due to positive news, caution is warranted as investors should closely monitor the ongoing developments in its obesity program to assess long-term investment potential.
See More
Three Biotech Companies Worth Watching
- Krystal Biotech's Breakthrough: In 2023, Krystal Biotech received approval for Vyjuvek, a gene therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, achieving $389.1 million in revenue, a 34% year-over-year increase, indicating strong market potential in rare diseases.
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals' FDA Approval: In 2024, Madrigal gained FDA approval for Rezdiffra, the first drug for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, with 2025 revenue reaching $958.4 million, a staggering 432% increase, showcasing robust growth in an emerging market.
- Exelixis' Oncology Innovations: Exelixis' Cabometyx remains the leading treatment for liver and kidney cancers, with no generic competition expected until 2030, while the company plans to launch several next-gen cancer therapies in the next five years, further solidifying its market position.
- Significant Market Potential: The combination of innovation and market demand in these three companies suggests that their stocks could yield substantial returns in the future, particularly in the ongoing developments within rare diseases and oncology.
See More
Eli Lilly to Announce Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Earnings Announcement Date: Eli Lilly is set to release its Q1 2026 financial results on April 30, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: On the same day, Lilly will conduct a conference call at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to provide detailed insights into its financial performance, aimed at bolstering market confidence.
- Live Webcast Availability: Investors, media, and the general public can access a live webcast of the conference call through a link on Lilly's website, ensuring broad dissemination of information and transparency.
- Replay Feature: Following the call, a replay will be available on the website, further enhancing accessibility to information and aiding investors in understanding the company's financial status.
See More
Positive Phase 3 Results for Foundayo in Diabetes Treatment
- Cardiovascular Event Risk Reduction: In a study involving over 2,700 adults with type 2 diabetes, patients taking Foundayo experienced a 16% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those on insulin glargine, indicating Foundayo's significant advantage in cardiovascular safety, which may attract more patients to choose this medication.
- Significant Mortality Risk Reduction: A pre-planned analysis revealed that patients on Foundayo had a 57% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those on insulin glargine, further enhancing Foundayo's appeal as a diabetes treatment and potentially increasing its market acceptance.
- FDA Submission Plans: Based on the trial results, Eli Lilly plans to submit an application for Foundayo's approval to the FDA by the end of Q2, which, if approved, could open new market opportunities for the company in diabetes treatment and strengthen its product portfolio.
- Market Competition Dynamics: Despite the positive clinical results for Foundayo, retail investor sentiment towards Eli Lilly remains bearish, likely due to intense competition in the weight-loss drug market, particularly from Novo Nordisk, which may affect investor confidence in the company's future performance.
See More
Eli Lilly's Foundayo Prescriptions Surge Post Launch
- Prescription Surge: Eli Lilly's new weight loss pill, Foundayo, saw prescriptions reach 1,390 for the week ending April 10, indicating a strong market response since its launch earlier this month, reflecting consumer acceptance of the new therapy.
- Competitor Performance: In contrast, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy approached 113,354 prescriptions during the same week, up from 105,366 the previous week, highlighting the sustained demand for GLP-1 drugs and intensifying competition in the market.
- FDA Approval Impact: Foundayo received FDA approval on April 1 as a once-daily treatment for obese or overweight adults, quickly accepting prescriptions through LillyDirect, showcasing the company's rapid market response capabilities.
- Market Outlook: With the launch of Foundayo, Eli Lilly significantly enhances its competitive position in the GLP-1 market, expected to challenge Novo Nordisk's market share and drive further growth in the overall weight loss drug market.
See More
Viking Therapeutics: A Potential Obesity Market Leader
- Surging Market Demand: The obesity treatment sector is experiencing explosive demand, with projections suggesting a market size nearing $100 billion by the decade's end, positioning Viking Therapeutics as a potential beneficiary of significant revenue opportunities.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking's VK2735 injectable is currently in phase 3 trials, having completed enrollment ahead of schedule, indicating strong patient interest; successful trial outcomes could pave the way for commercialization and revenue generation.
- Competitive Edge: As a GLP-1 class drug, Viking's candidate could provide a competitive alternative to existing products from Lilly and Novo, potentially capturing market share and generating substantial income if it successfully enters the market.
- Investment Return Potential: Although Viking has yet to achieve profitability, its stock surged 121% on positive phase 2 news, highlighting its volatility; continued positive developments could yield significant returns for investors in the future.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Targets Billion-Dollar Obesity Market
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 injectable is currently in a phase 3 trial that completed enrollment ahead of schedule, indicating strong market demand for this potential new drug, which could secure a foothold in the obesity drug market if successful.
- Massive Market Potential: The obesity drug market is projected to approach $100 billion by 2030, and if Viking's products are successfully commercialized, the company could capture a significant share of this lucrative market, driving substantial growth.
- Competitive Landscape Analysis: With Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominating the market, Viking's promising clinical candidates could generate considerable revenue if they reach commercialization, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position.
- Investor Attention: Although Viking's stock surged 121% in early 2024 due to positive news, caution is warranted as investors should closely monitor the ongoing developments in its obesity program to assess long-term investment potential.
See More
Three Biotech Companies Worth Watching
- Krystal Biotech's Breakthrough: In 2023, Krystal Biotech received approval for Vyjuvek, a gene therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, achieving $389.1 million in revenue, a 34% year-over-year increase, indicating strong market potential in rare diseases.
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals' FDA Approval: In 2024, Madrigal gained FDA approval for Rezdiffra, the first drug for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, with 2025 revenue reaching $958.4 million, a staggering 432% increase, showcasing robust growth in an emerging market.
- Exelixis' Oncology Innovations: Exelixis' Cabometyx remains the leading treatment for liver and kidney cancers, with no generic competition expected until 2030, while the company plans to launch several next-gen cancer therapies in the next five years, further solidifying its market position.
- Significant Market Potential: The combination of innovation and market demand in these three companies suggests that their stocks could yield substantial returns in the future, particularly in the ongoing developments within rare diseases and oncology.
See More
