Eli Lilly Lifts Forecast as Demand for Weight-Loss Drugs Stays Strong

Eli Lilly has raised its full-year sales and profit forecast after seeing strong, ongoing demand for its popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs.

The company said prescriptions for its blockbuster medicine Zepbound, and its diabetes version Mounjaro, continue to surge. Both drugs use the same active ingredient and have become major drivers of growth in the fast-expanding obesity-treatment market.

Lilly now expects higher revenue and earnings this year, citing strong patient demand and improved production capacity. The company has been investing heavily to increase supply, including new manufacturing facilities and partnerships, to avoid shortages seen earlier in the year.

In the latest quarter, Lilly reported better-than-expected sales and profit. Analysts say the results show the company is keeping its lead in the rapidly growing weight-loss drug category, even as competitors try to catch up.

However, Lilly also warned that meeting demand will remain a challenge as millions of new patients seek treatment. The company said it is working on expanding access and supporting insurance coverage, as cost remains a hurdle for many users.

The global obesity-drug market is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Analysts predict it could exceed $100 billion in annual sales, with Lilly and Novo Nordisk leading the race.

Lilly’s CEO emphasized that the company sees long-term potential in obesity care, including drugs that not only support weight loss but also target related health issues like heart disease and sleep apnea.