A recent study published on the JAMA Internal Medicine website revealed that patients lost significantly more weight on Eli Lilly’s drug Mounjaro compared to Novo Nordisk’s treatment Ozempic. The study, which analyzed data from 18,386 obese or overweight patients, showed that Mounjaro users experienced greater weight loss over various time periods. report from investors.
Study Findings
- Three Months: Patients taking Mounjaro lost 5.9% of their body weight, compared to 3.6% for those taking Ozempic.
- Six Months: Mounjaro users lost 10.1% of their body weight, while Ozempic users lost 5.8%.
- Twelve Months: Mounjaro users reduced their weight by 15.3%, significantly higher than the 8.3% reduction seen in Ozempic users.
Active Ingredients and Branding
- Mounjaro: The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. Eli Lilly markets tripeptide under the brand names Mounjaro for diabetes and Zebound for weight loss.
- Ozempic: The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. Novo Nordisk sells semaglutide as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss.
Eli Lilly’s Strategic Moves
In addition to the positive study results, Eli Lilly announced an agreement to acquire Morphic Holding (MORF) for $3.2 billion. Morphic’s leading asset targets treatments for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, indicating Eli Lilly’s broader strategy to expand its therapeutic offerings. as reported by NBC News.
Stock Market Reaction
The stock prices of both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk showed modest gains following the release of the study results and acquisition news:
- Eli Lilly: The stock rose 0.4% to close at 918 in Monday’s regular session, hitting a record high.
- Novo Nordisk: The stock climbed 0.5% to 143.23, remaining within a buy zone.
Implications for Patients and the Pharmaceutical Market
The significant weight loss observed with Mounjaro compared to Ozempic may influence prescribing patterns among healthcare providers, potentially boosting Mounjaro’s market share in the weight loss drug market. Additionally, Eli Lilly’s acquisition of Morphic highlights its commitment to diversifying and strengthening its portfolio in areas beyond diabetes and weight loss. told by CNN.
The study’s findings and Eli Lilly’s strategic acquisition underscore the competitive and rapidly evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, with companies continuously seeking to improve patient outcomes and expand their market presence.