Novo Nordisk Claims Wegovy Outperforms Lilly's Oral GLP-1 in Weight Loss Trial

Novo Nordisk announced that its oral Wegovy pill showed more significant weight loss and fewer side effects than Eli Lilly's Foundayo in a cross-trial comparison. The Danish drugmaker's analysis, which evaluated previously published studies, found that Wegovy achieved 'significantly greater mean weight loss' than Foundayo, which is set to launch under the brand name Foundayo next week. Novo plans to present further details at the Obesity Medicine Association's annual conference. A separate analysis indicated that 84% of patients preferred a drug profile similar to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, over Foundayo's formulation. Jamey Millar, Novo's newly appointed executive vice president for U.S. operations, emphasized that these findings reinforce the clinical strength of semaglutide and highlight patient preferences for lifestyle compatibility. The competition between Novo and Lilly reflects the evolving weight-loss drug market, where oral alternatives to injections are gaining traction due to easier distribution and consumer preference. Eli Lilly's CEO, Dave Ricks, has highlighted Foundayo's accessibility, noting it can be taken without food restrictions, unlike Wegovy, which requires administration on an empty stomach with minimal water and a 30-minute wait before eating. Novo's CEO, Mike Doustdar, countered that these restrictions would not hinder adoption, citing strong patient interest in Wegovy's efficacy. Earlier studies showed oral Wegovy resulted in an average 16.6% weight loss, compared to Foundayo's 12.4%. Since its U.S. launch in January, Wegovy has seen rapid adoption, with over 600,000 patients prescribed the pill. However, recent data suggests a slowdown in new prescriptions, with analysts attributing this to physicians holding off until Foundayo's launch. Analysts have adjusted their 2026 sales expectations for Foundayo downward, from $4 billion to $1.6 billion, amid pricing pressures in the GLP-1 market. Despite these challenges, some analysts remain optimistic about the sector's potential, particularly with the anticipated expansion of Medicare Part D later this year. Novo's findings underscore the importance of differentiation in a market that is expected to become increasingly competitive, with new entrants targeting obesity-related diseases and improved side-effect profiles.