Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have emerged as dominant players in the rapidly growing weight-loss medications market, driven by their drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The success of these medications has outpaced their ability to supply them, reflecting high demand. Analysts predict a $100 billion global market for such drugs by around 2030.
Ozempic and Wegovy, both GLP-1 agonists initially formulated for type 2 diabetes treatment, have proven effective in reducing body weight by approximately 15%. Mounjaro, introduced in 2022, contains GLP-1 and GIP, an appetite suppressor, and has shown promise in weight loss.
Eli Lilly reported significant income growth due to Mounjaro, generating $979.7 million in sales in a single quarter. Wegovy’s sales surged 344% in the U.S. to nearly $1.7 billion in the first half of the year, and Ozempic sales exceeded $3.7 billion. Analysts predict that Wegovy and Saxenda’s combined sales could reach $15 billion annually by 2030.
Moreover, a study revealed that Wegovy reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by 20%, which may lead to expanded coverage by insurers.
To further bolster the weight-loss medications market, Novo and Lilly have lobbied for the reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would reverse the federal ban on Medicare coverage for obesity drugs. The rise in demand and the clinical evidence may push insurance companies to cover these drugs.
While Novo and Lilly grapple with meeting demand, both companies are investing in the development of oral versions of their drugs, targeting patients who prefer pills over injections. Pills could also offer cost advantages in manufacturing.
As competitors like Pfizer and Amgen work on their weight-loss drugs, Novo and Lilly will maintain their heavyweight status in the industry. Once they overcome supply challenges, direct-to-consumer marketing efforts are expected to rise to establish a strong presence in this growing market.
Overall, the attitudes toward obesity are changing, with increased recognition of it as a disease, leading to greater demand for effective weight-loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.
