Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Outperforms Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in Head-to-Head Trial

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) announced Sunday that its obesity treatment Zepbound delivered substantially greater weight loss than Novo Nordisk's (CSE:NOVOb) Wegovy in the 72-week SURMOUNT-5 trial. The data, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, could reshape competitive dynamics in the fast-growing anti-obesity market.

Trial Results at a Glance

• Average weight reduction: Zepbound achieved 20.2% loss versus 13.7% for Wegovy—a 47% greater relative reduction.

• High-responders: 64.6% of Zepbound patients lost at least 15% of body weight, compared with 40.1% on Wegovy.

• Secondary measures: Zepbound produced larger decreases in waist circumference.

• Safety profile: Consistent with prior studies, primarily gastrointestinal side effects for both drugs.

Both medications were administered at their maximum approved doses, and participants had obesity (or overweight with comorbidities) but no diabetes.

Market Reaction

• Novo Nordisk shares fell 5.7% in Copenhagen trading.

• Eli Lilly stock declined 2.9%, pressured by U.S. President Trump's plan to issue an executive order cutting prescription drug prices.

Strategic Implications

Zepbound's superior efficacy could bolster Eli Lilly's position in the obesity space, challenging Novo Nordisk's market leadership. As payers and physicians weigh clinical advantages, uptake dynamics are likely to shift.

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