Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly present competing GLP-1 data at EASD

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are presenting competing clinical data at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in Milan, highlighting the intense rivalry in the expanding GLP-1 market for diabetes and obesity.

Novo Nordisk presented real-world evidence suggesting that increasing Ozempic doses from 1 mg to 2 mg was associated with a 6% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to patients switching to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly shared indirect comparison data suggesting its Zepbound treatment achieved higher weight loss and A1C reductions than high-dose Wegovy. Lilly is also advancing its oral GLP-1, Foundayo, and investigational retatrutide.

Financial analysts note the massive growth potential of the sector, with Morgan Stanley projecting the global GLP-1 market could reach $190 billion by 2035. While Eli Lilly currently holds a market leadership position with significant revenue growth, Novo Nordisk remains a key competitor, recently expanding Wegovy availability in oral tablet form in markets like Germany.

Medical research presented at EASD also highlighted gender-specific considerations, noting that while women may experience greater weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonists, there is a call for improved evidence-based data regarding use in female patients.