NYSE:LLY

Eli Lilly Reports Strong One-Year Results for Taltz and Zepbound Combination

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) announced positive 52-week Phase 3b data Monday showing that Taltz and Zepbound used together produced durable improvements in adults with psoriatic disease and obesity.

The results come from the TOGETHER-PsO and TOGETHER-PsA trials, which compared Taltz plus Zepbound with Taltz alone. The combination had already demonstrated statistically superior results at the Week 36 primary endpoint, and Lilly said those improvements were maintained or further strengthened through Week 52.

In the psoriasis trial, 30.6% of patients receiving the combination achieved both complete skin clearance and at least 10% weight loss, compared with 4.4% receiving Taltz alone. Complete skin clearance was achieved by 40.5% of combination-treated patients versus 29.1% with Taltz alone.

Results were also strong in psoriatic arthritis. About 39.2% of patients receiving both drugs achieved at least a 50% improvement in disease activity together with at least 10% weight loss, compared with just 1.7% in the Taltz-only group. The proportion achieving a 50% improvement in disease activity reached 43.7% versus 15.7% with monotherapy.

The combination also produced sustained or improved results across measures including systemic inflammation, BMI, blood pressure, glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides and cholesterol. No new safety concerns were identified, with adverse events generally mild to moderate and consistent with the known profiles of the two medicines.

The findings are significant for Lilly because they suggest Zepbound's role could extend beyond weight management when used alongside established therapies for diseases closely associated with obesity. The data could strengthen the company's position across both the rapidly growing obesity market and immunology, while supporting a broader strategy of treating interconnected metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
FDA Approves Lilly’s Mounjaro to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) received U.S. FDA approval for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk, significantly expanding the drug’s clinical profile beyond blood-sugar control.

The new indication covers cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke. Lilly said Mounjaro is now the first and only GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist proven to lower these cardiovascular risks in high-risk adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside its established A1C and weight-loss benefits.

Approval was based on the large SURPASS-CVOT Phase 3 trial involving more than 13,000 patients. Mounjaro demonstrated non-inferiority to Lilly’s Trulicity, an established GLP-1 therapy with cardiovascular benefits, and recorded an 8% lower rate of cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke. However, statistical superiority over Trulicity was not established.

The approval is commercially important for Lilly because it strengthens Mounjaro’s competitive position in the rapidly expanding incretin market. Cardiovascular benefits have become an increasingly important differentiator for GLP-1-based medicines, and the broader label could support greater adoption of Mounjaro among high-risk diabetes patients.
Eli Lilly Highlights Zepbound Healthcare Cost Savings in Older Adults

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) released new real-world evidence showing that sustained use of its obesity drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) was associated with substantially lower healthcare costs among adults over age 55 with obesity or overweight.

The study found that patients remaining on Zepbound had lower rates of hospital admissions and emergency department visits than comparable untreated patients, with estimated healthcare savings increasing as treatment continued.

Healthcare Savings Increase Over Time

At six months, healthcare costs were as much as 15% lower for patients treated with Zepbound, representing savings of up to $181 per patient per month.

By 12 months, the difference widened substantially. Depending on the analytical method used, estimated savings ranged from $319 to $607 per patient per month, equivalent to approximately 25%-38% lower healthcare costs.

The study also found lower hospital admission and emergency department utilization across follow-up periods among Zepbound-treated patients in the primary analysis.

Findings Could Strengthen Zepbound's Economic Case

The results are potentially important for Lilly because they address one of the central questions surrounding widespread GLP-1 obesity treatment: whether the relatively high cost of medication can eventually be offset by reductions in other healthcare spending.

Lilly noted that estimated healthcare savings beginning at six months nearly covered the $195 monthly treatment cost under Medicare's GLP-1 Bridge program. By 12 months, estimated savings exceeded that monthly treatment cost.

That could strengthen the economic argument for broader payer and Medicare coverage of obesity medications, potentially supporting long-term adoption of Zepbound.

Important Limitation

The findings require some caution. This was a retrospective observational study rather than a randomized clinical trial. It included 15,843 adults over age 55, with Zepbound users matched with similar people who did not initiate a GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 treatment.

More importantly, the reported healthcare costs excluded the actual cost of Zepbound because claims data did not capture its net price. Therefore, the study demonstrates potential savings elsewhere in the healthcare system rather than proving that Zepbound reduces total healthcare spending after the drug's cost is included.

For Lilly, however, the study provides potentially valuable real-world evidence supporting Zepbound's broader economic benefits beyond weight loss. If similar findings are confirmed over longer periods, they could strengthen Lilly's case with insurers, employers and government programs for expanded obesity-drug coverage.
Eli Lilly (LLY) Stock Rises After Strong Q2 Earnings, Raises 2026 Guidance on Obesity Drug Strength

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) shares gained around 2.4% on Wednesday after the pharmaceutical giant reported another quarter of exceptional financial results, raised its full-year 2026 guidance, and highlighted continued momentum across its blockbuster obesity and diabetes portfolio.

The earnings report was released as broader U.S. markets traded modestly higher. Investors looked past a weaker-than-expected ADP employment report and focused on stronger-than-expected S&P Global Services and Composite PMI data, which pointed to resilient business activity in the U.S. economy.

Revenue Jumps 48% as Mounjaro and Zepbound Continue to Drive Growth

Lilly reported second-quarter revenue of $23.0 billion, a 48% increase from the same period last year, driven primarily by strong demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Key second-quarter results included:

* Revenue: $23.0 billion (+48% year over year)
* GAAP EPS: $7.94 (+26%)
* Non-GAAP EPS: $8.38 (+33%)
* GAAP net income: $7.1 billion (+25%)

The company said global sales volume increased 60% from a year earlier, more than offsetting lower realized prices. Revenue outside the United States surged 80%, reflecting accelerating international adoption of Mounjaro, while U.S. revenue rose 33%.

Gross margin improved to 85.8%, supported by favorable product mix and manufacturing efficiencies despite pricing pressure.

Lilly Raises Full-Year 2026 Guidance

One of the biggest catalysts for investors was management's improved outlook for the remainder of the year.

Lilly now expects:

* Full-year revenue of $85.0 billion to $87.0 billion
* Updated non-GAAP EPS guidance of $35.50 to $36.50
* Underlying operational EPS guidance increased by $2.78 at the midpoint before acquisition-related research and development charges

The raised guidance reflects management's confidence that demand for its leading diabetes and obesity medicines will remain strong throughout 2026.

Retatrutide and Pipeline Progress Strengthen Long-Term Outlook

Beyond current commercial performance, Lilly continued making significant progress across its pipeline.

The company announced positive Phase 3 data from three additional retatrutide obesity trials, completing the clinical package needed to support regulatory filings for obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and knee osteoarthritis pain. Lilly plans to submit the treatment to the U.S. FDA during the first quarter of 2027.

Additional regulatory milestones included:

* FDA approval of Ebglyss for an expanded maintenance dosing schedule in atopic dermatitis.
* European Commission approval of Jaypirca for chronic lymphocytic leukemia across all treatment lines.
* Submission of oral GLP-1 candidate orforglipron for Type 2 diabetes in the United States.

Manufacturing Expansion and Acquisitions Support Future Growth

Lilly continued investing aggressively to expand its long-term growth platform.

During the quarter, the company completed acquisitions of Orna Therapeutics, Ajax Therapeutics, Centessa Pharmaceuticals, and Kelonia Therapeutics. After quarter-end, Lilly completed three additional acquisitions to build an infectious disease portfolio and also agreed to acquire AtaiBeckley.

The company also committed an additional $4.5 billion to expand manufacturing facilities in Indiana, further increasing production capacity for its rapidly growing product portfolio.

What Investors Are Watching

Wednesday's earnings reinforced Lilly's position as one of the pharmaceutical industry's strongest growth stories. Exceptional revenue growth, higher full-year guidance, continued leadership in the rapidly expanding obesity market, and a deep late-stage pipeline all strengthened investor confidence.

Going forward, investors will closely watch continued demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound, regulatory progress for retatrutide and orforglipron, integration of recent acquisitions, and whet
Eli Lilly Holds Steady as Analysts Remain Positive on Obesity Drug Growth

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) traded roughly flat after receiving supportive analyst commentary from two Wall Street firms. Berenberg raised its price target to $1,135 from $1,050 while maintaining a Hold rating, and Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated its Overweight rating on the stock.

The analyst actions reflect continued confidence in Lilly's long-term growth prospects, driven primarily by the success of its diabetes and obesity treatments. The company remains one of the largest beneficiaries of the rapidly expanding weight-loss drug market, where demand continues to exceed expectations globally.

Investors remain focused on the growth trajectory of Lilly's obesity franchise, including Zepbound, as well as the company's broader pipeline across cardiometabolic diseases, oncology, and neuroscience. Strong demand for GLP-1 therapies has fueled substantial revenue growth and positioned Lilly as one of the pharmaceutical sector's most closely watched companies.

Despite the positive analyst commentary, the stock was little changed. Nevertheless, the higher price target from Berenberg and continued bullish stance from Cantor Fitzgerald indicate that analysts remain optimistic about Lilly's ability to sustain earnings growth as demand for obesity and diabetes treatments continues to expand worldwide.
Eli Lilly Surges 8% as GLP-1 Drugs Deliver Another Blowout Quarter

Eli Lilly shares are up 8% in trading on April 30, on track for their biggest single-day gain in three months, after a Q1 2026 earnings report that smashed Wall Street expectations across the board.

Revenue rose 56% year-over-year to $19.8 billion, well above the $17.62 billion consensus, while adjusted EPS came in at $8.55, crushing expectations of $6.66. The engine behind the beat was familiar: Mounjaro revenues soared 125% to $8.66 billion, beating estimates by more than $1 billion, while Zepbound generated $4.16 billion in US revenue, up 80% year-over-year. Together, GLP-1 drugs accounted for roughly two-thirds of total sales. (CNBC, Invezz)

On guidance, Lilly raised full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $82 to $85 billion, up $2 billion from prior estimates, and lifted adjusted EPS guidance to $35.50 to $37 per share. (CNBC)

The new wildcard is Foundayo, the FDA-approved GLP-1 pill that launched in Q2 and was not included in these results. Early prescription data showed just 3,707 scripts in the week ended April 17, below analyst expectations of around 8,000, making its ramp the key watch item for the rest of 2026 as Lilly competes head-on with Novo Nordisk's rival pill. (Invezz)

Analyst commentary suggests Mounjaro is on track to become the world's best-selling drug, further supporting Lilly's valuation prospects. (Quartz)
Eli Lilly and Company has agreed to acquire Ajax Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $2.3 billion, aiming to strengthen its portfolio in blood cancer treatments.

The acquisition centers on Ajax’s lead drug candidate, AJ1-11095, a first-in-class Type II JAK2 inhibitor currently in Phase 1 trials for myelofibrosis patients previously treated with existing therapies. Early-stage data for the drug are expected later in 2026, with dose selection also anticipated this year.

AJ1-11095 targets JAK2 through a different binding mechanism compared to currently approved Type I inhibitors, potentially offering deeper and more durable disease control, particularly for patients who develop resistance or lose response to existing treatments.

The transaction expands Lilly’s oncology capabilities, particularly in myeloproliferative neoplasms such as myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera, where treatment durability remains a key unmet need.

The deal includes an upfront payment and milestone-based payments tied to clinical and regulatory progress. Closing remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

Source: PRNewswire
Eli Lilly and Company announced it will acquire Kelonia Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $7 billion, strengthening its position in genetic medicine and next-generation cancer therapies.

Kelonia’s proprietary iGPS® platform enables in vivo CAR-T therapy, allowing the patient’s body to generate CAR-T cells directly, eliminating the need for complex external cell manufacturing. Its lead candidate, KLN-1010, is currently in Phase 1 trials for multiple myeloma and has shown encouraging early clinical results.

Lilly expects the acquisition to simplify CAR-T treatment, improving accessibility, reducing costs, and enabling faster, more scalable “off-the-shelf” therapies. The technology also has potential applications across a wider range of cancers and serious diseases.

Under the terms, Kelonia shareholders will receive $3.25 billion upfront, with additional milestone payments bringing the total value to up to $7 billion. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
PRNewswire
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) will release its first-quarter 2026 financial results on April 30, 2026.
Eli Lilly and Company reported positive Phase 3 results for its cancer drug Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib), showing improved outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL).

In the BRUIN CLL-322 trial, adding Jaypirca to a venetoclax-based regimen significantly extended progression-free survival compared to standard treatment alone. The study met its primary endpoint, with benefits observed across key patient groups, including those previously treated with other BTK inhibitors.

The safety profile of the combination therapy was consistent with existing data, with similar rates of adverse events between treatment arms and low discontinuation levels.

Lilly plans to present detailed findings at a medical conference and submit the data to regulators later in 2026, aiming to expand the drug’s approved indications.

The results strengthen Jaypirca’s position as a potential next-generation treatment option in blood cancers, particularly for patients requiring time-limited therapies.
PRNewswire
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