Key Highlights
- Foundayo, Eli Lilly’s oral obesity medication, captured 1,390 U.S. prescriptions during its first week on the market, ending April 10.
- Competitor Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy achieved 3,071 prescriptions within its initial four-day period following its January 5 debut.
- Clinical trial data involving 2,700 participants demonstrated Foundayo reduced cardiovascular events—including heart attack, stroke, and CV-related death—by 16% compared to insulin glargine.
- The identical study revealed Foundayo decreased all-cause mortality risk by 57%.
- Eli Lilly shares advanced nearly 3% during premarket hours following the announcement of prescription figures and clinical findings.
Eli Lilly’s recently approved weight management pill Foundayo has begun accumulating prescription volume, establishing its position in the competitive obesity treatment market against rival Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy.
The FDA granted Foundayo approval for obesity treatment on April 1. Prescriptions became available immediately via LillyDirect, with shipments commencing April 6. Widespread 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 market analysts. For comparison, Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy secured 3,071 prescriptions during only its initial four days following market entry on January 5.
Novo’s oral Wegovy generated 113,354 U.S. prescriptions during that same week, representing growth from 105,366 prescriptions the previous week.
Company executives have advised investors to anticipate fluctuating weekly and daily market capture rates during the initial launch phase. The weekly prescription totals encompass retail pharmacy data along with samples distributed through telehealth services, LillyDirect, and mail order channels, according to Guggenheim analyst reports.
LLY shares climbed nearly 3% during premarket trading following the data release.
Cardiovascular and Survival Benefits Emerge from Clinical Research
Along with 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 against insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin available through brands such as Sanofi’s Lantus and Lilly’s Basaglar.
The medication also achieved a 57% reduction in all-cause mortality during the research period. Foundayo delivered improvements in A1C measurements and body weight at the 52-week assessment point.
Regulatory authorities had previously requested additional post-marketing investigations regarding potential hepatic injury concerns. The trial incorporated comprehensive liver safety monitoring, and Lilly reported zero liver safety concerns emerged from the analysis. These findings aligned with previous research outcomes.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Trung Huynh indicated the liver safety results should alleviate concerns regarding Foundayo presenting unique hepatic risks relative to competing medications like oral Wegovy.
Diabetes Indication Pursuit Underway for Foundayo
Lilly intends to leverage the clinical trial findings to pursue FDA clearance for Foundayo as a type 2 diabetes treatment. The pharmaceutical company announced plans to file its application before Q2 concludes, utilizing the Commissioner’s National Priority Review Voucher to accelerate the regulatory review timeline.
The FDA cleared Foundayo for weight management earlier this month, escalating the competitive landscape with Novo Nordisk, whose oral Wegovy has maintained market presence since January.
Novo’s oral Wegovy recorded 113,354 U.S. prescriptions during the week ending April 10.
