Key Highlights
- Foundayo, Eli Lilly’s obesity medication, generated 1,390 prescriptions across the United States during its first week ending April 10.
- By comparison, Novo Nordisk’s oral version of Wegovy captured 3,071 prescriptions within its initial four days following its January 5 debut.
- Clinical trial data from 2,700 participants demonstrated Foundayo reduced cardiovascular events—including heart attack, stroke, and CV 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 trial results were announced.
Eli Lilly’s recently authorized weight-loss pill Foundayo is accumulating initial prescription momentum, although it currently lags behind competitor Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy formulation in early uptake.
The FDA granted Foundayo clearance for obesity treatment on April 1. Prescriptions became available immediately via LillyDirect, with product 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 nationwide, based on IQVIA tracking data referenced by industry analysts. This figure falls short of Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy performance, which achieved 3,071 prescriptions within merely four days post-launch on January 5.
Novo’s oral Wegovy formulation recorded 113,354 domestic prescriptions during that same week, representing an increase from 105,366 the previous week.
Lilly has cautioned investors to anticipate fluctuating weekly and daily prescription capture rates during the initial launch phase. The weekly totals encompass retail pharmacy prescriptions plus samples distributed through telehealth services, LillyDirect, and mail-order channels, according to Guggenheim analyst commentary.
LLY shares advanced nearly 3% in premarket sessions following the data release.
Cardiovascular and Survival Advantages Revealed in Clinical Study
Along with prescription metrics, Lilly disclosed findings from an advanced-stage cardiovascular study encompassing 2,700 participants 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 cardiovascular-related death when compared against insulin glargine, a prolonged-action insulin marketed under brand names including Sanofi’s Lantus and Lilly’s Basaglar.
Additionally, the medication achieved a 57% decrease in mortality from all causes throughout the study period. Foundayo participants experienced improvements in A1C measurements and body weight at the 52-week mark.
The FDA had previously mandated that Lilly conduct supplementary post-approval studies examining potential hepatic injury. The trial incorporated a comprehensive liver safety evaluation, and Lilly reported no concerning liver safety signals. These findings aligned with previous study outcomes.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Trung Huynh noted the liver safety results should alleviate concerns regarding whether Foundayo presents distinctive hepatic risks relative to competing therapies such as oral Wegovy.
Diabetes Indication Pursuit on Horizon for Foundayo
Lilly intends to leverage the trial findings to pursue FDA authorization of Foundayo for type 2 diabetes management. The pharmaceutical company announced plans to file a regulatory application before Q2 concludes, utilizing the Commissioner’s National Priority Review Voucher to expedite the FDA review timeline.
The FDA authorized Foundayo for weight management earlier this month, escalating market competition with Novo Nordisk, whose oral Wegovy has been commercially available since January.
Novo’s oral Wegovy formulation generated 113,354 domestic prescriptions during the week ending April 10.
