Eli Lilly is surging ahead of Novo Nordisk in the weight loss drug market, raising 2026 revenue guidance while Novo warns of a potential 13% sales drop due to pricing pressures and competition.1
Novo's CagriSema failed to match Lilly's Zepbound in head-to-head Phase 3 trials, achieving 20-23% weight loss versus Zepbound's 24-25.5%.12
Novo launched the Wegovy Pill (oral semaglutide) in Jan 2026 but faces discounting to $149/month; Lilly's Orforglipron, launching Q2 2026, offers advantages like no dietary restrictions.1
Lilly's manufacturing investments enable market flooding, while its triple agonist Retatrutide shows nearly 29% weight loss in Phase 3.1
Novo's shares have fallen over 50% from peaks, labeled a 'value trap' amid clinical setbacks and competition.12
Sources:
1. http://business.times-online.com/times-online/article/marketminute-2026-2-24-a-tale-of-two-titans-eli-lilly-surges-as-novo-nordisk-stumbles-in-the-weight-loss-price-war
2. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/novo-nordisk-cagrisema-zepbound-head-to-head-results/812810/