Quick Overview
- Foundayo, Eli Lilly’s obesity medication, generated 1,390 prescriptions across the U.S. during its first week ending April 10.
- By comparison, Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy achieved 3,071 prescriptions within its initial four-day launch period following its January 5 debut.
- Clinical trial data involving 2,700 participants demonstrated that Foundayo reduced cardiovascular events—including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death—by 16% compared to insulin glargine.
- The identical study revealed a 57% reduction in all-cause mortality among Foundayo patients.
- Shares of LLY climbed approximately 3% during premarket hours after the prescription figures and clinical results were disclosed.
Eli Lilly’s recently authorized obesity treatment Foundayo is beginning to establish traction in early prescription metrics, although it remains behind competitor Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy in initial launch performance.
The FDA granted Foundayo approval for weight management on April 1. Prescriptions became available immediately via LillyDirect, with shipments commencing April 6. Wider distribution through retail pharmacies and telehealth platforms across the United States began April 9.
During the week concluding April 10, Foundayo accumulated 1,390 prescriptions throughout the U.S., based on IQVIA tracking data referenced by industry analysts. This figure contrasts with Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy, which garnered 3,071 prescriptions during only its opening four days following its January 5 market entry.
Novo’s oral Wegovy captured 113,354 U.S. prescriptions during that same week, representing an increase from 105,366 prescriptions the previous week.
Lilly has cautioned investors to anticipate fluctuating weekly and daily market capture statistics during the initial launch phase. These weekly totals encompass retail prescriptions along with samples distributed through telehealth services, LillyDirect, and mail-order channels, according to Guggenheim research analysts.
LLY stock advanced nearly 3% in premarket sessions following the data release.
Cardiovascular and Survival Advantages Demonstrated in Foundayo Clinical Study
Alongside the prescription metrics, Lilly unveiled findings from an advanced-stage cardiovascular study encompassing 2,700 participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and obesity who faced heightened cardiovascular risk.
Foundayo demonstrated a 16% reduction in the combined risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes when compared to insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin marketed under various brand names including Sanofi’s Lantus and Lilly’s Basaglar.
The medication additionally achieved a 57% reduction in all-cause mortality throughout the study period. Foundayo produced improvements in both A1C measurements and body weight at the 52-week mark.
The FDA had previously requested that Lilly conduct supplementary post-market investigations regarding potential hepatic injury. The trial incorporated a comprehensive liver safety evaluation, and Lilly reported that no liver safety issues were identified. This outcome aligned with findings from previous research.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Trung Huynh noted that the liver safety findings should alleviate concerns regarding whether Foundayo presents distinctive hepatic risks relative to competing products like oral Wegovy.
Diabetes Indication Sought by Lilly for Foundayo
Lilly intends to leverage the trial findings to pursue FDA authorization of Foundayo for type 2 diabetes treatment. The pharmaceutical company announced plans to file an application before the conclusion of Q2, utilizing the Commissioner’s National Priority Review Voucher to expedite the FDA review timeline.
The FDA authorized Foundayo for obesity treatment earlier this month, escalating competition with Novo Nordisk, whose oral Wegovy has been commercially available since January.
Novo’s oral Wegovy recorded 113,354 U.S. prescriptions during the week ending April 10.
