New Obesity Drugs May See Premium Pricing Undermined By Underwhelming Data

Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) are expected to launch new obesity-treatment pills in the U.S. next year at prices comparable to their existing injectable drugs, signaling a break from the industry trend of charging more for new therapies.

Novo Nordisk is leading the charge with Rybelsus, the only authorized oral GLP-1 drug.

The move comes amid mounting political and public pressure to make weight-loss drugs more affordable.

Neither company has announced pricing for its daily oral medications, with U.S. regulatory approvals still pending, Reuters reported. Novo Nordisk anticipates approval later this year, while Lilly aims for an August 2026 launch.

Also Read: Eli Lilly Considering Viking Therapeutics Acquisition? Expert Says ‘They’re Setting Up For Something BIG’ As LLY Issues 40-Year Bond

Recently, Eli Lilly released data from an oral drug, orforglipron. However, investors seemed disappointed as the pill showed an average weight loss of around 12% below the estimated 15%.

Earlier today, Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) released ...