Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks revealed that since Medicare began covering obesity drugs in July, around 700,000 new seniors have started GLP-1 treatments, with approximately 70% of these patients using Lilly’s medications. This significant uptake illustrates the impact of Medicare’s temporary “Bridge” program, which offers eligible beneficiaries access to weight loss drugs for a $50 monthly co-pay. The federal program serves about 66 million people aged 65 or older or with disabilities.

Lilly’s obesity injection Zepbound has emerged as a leading choice among seniors covered by Medicare, capturing the majority of new patients, particularly those with higher body weight and more complex health issues. Additionally, Lilly’s recently launched obesity pill, Foundayo, plays an important role for patients seeking a convenient treatment for moderate weight loss, typically around 25 to 30 pounds. Foundayo accounts for about one-third of new patients opting for oral GLP-1 treatments.

The competition with Novo Nordisk remains strong, especially on the oral GLP-1 front, as Novo’s oral drug launched earlier. However, Lilly’s share of new Medicare patients on GLP-1 drugs highlights its competitive position in the obesity drug market expansion. Overall, Ricks described the Medicare rollout as “very encouraging” and praised Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for managing the implementation smoothly and educating healthcare providers.

This increase in Medicare coverage and resulting patient access marks a significant milestone for GLP-1 medicines, with both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk vying for market leadership. The temporary Bridge program has successfully lowered financial barriers for seniors seeking obesity treatments, potentially reshaping treatment patterns and company dynamics within this growing pharmaceutical segment.