Words by Jade Williams
One year after the launch of Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide for obesity, competition with Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide remains a focal point. According to recent data, however, superior efficacy and strategic market positioning have positioned Lilly’s offering as a potential leader in the obesity market.
According to GlobalData, recent findings from Eli Lilly’s SURMOUNT-5 trial found that its tirzepatide achieved an average weight loss of 20.2% of body weight, compared to 13.7% for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide.
Tirzepatide has also recently expanded its scope of use. On 20 December 2024, the drug was approved by the US FDA for obstructive sleep apnoea and is currently being studied for additional indications, including cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic kidney disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Semaglutide, which is marketed for type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular risk reduction, is similarly in development for additional indications, such as chronic kidney disease.
Costanza Alciati, Pharma Analyst, GlobalData, noted in the press release that the impact of Novo Nordisk’s drug on the obesity market has been undeniable: “Key Opinion Leaders interviewed by GlobalData defined it as “revolutionary”. Now with [Eli Lilly’s drug], the revolution continues, and Eli Lilly’s drug is more potent, and perhaps negotiations with national health services will also make it more cost-effective.”
The broader obesity market continues to attract significant investment, spurred in part by the success seen so far from frontrunners Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. According to GlobalData’s Drugs Database, more than 400 companies are engaged in developing obesity treatments, spanning from early discovery to late-stage candidates.
As the landscape further evolves, all eyes will remain on how these developments shape the future of obesity treatment.
