Early Prescription Trends Show Slower Start For Lilly<\/p>\n
Reuters, citing IQVIA data, reported that Eli Lilly<\/a> recorded 1,390 prescriptions for its newly launched obesity pill in the U.S. for the week ended April 10.<\/p>\n In comparison, Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy saw 3,071 prescriptions within just the first four days following its January 5 launch, indicating a stronger initial uptake<\/a>.<\/p>\n The data highlights a slower early ramp for Lilly’s pill, though the company had previously flagged potential variability in early prescription trends.<\/p>\n Novo Maintains Lead In Weekly Prescription Volume<\/p>\n Novo’s oral Wegovy, which has been available since January, continues to show steady growth.<\/p>\n Citing IQVIA data, the Reuters report added that the drug was prescribed 113,354 times during the same week, up from 105,366 prescriptions in the prior week.<\/p>\n Market Competition Intensifies As Oral Segment Evolves<\/p>\n Investors are closely monitoring prescription trends as competition between<\/a> Lilly and its Danish rival intensifies.<\/p>\n The obesity drug market has largely been dominated by injectable therapies, but oral alternatives are emerging as a key battleground.<\/p>\n The data offers early insight into how these pills are performing as drugmakers increasingly pivot toward cash-pay consumer models<\/a>.<\/p>\n Launch Timing And Distribution Channels Influence Uptake<\/p>\n Lilly’s obesity pill, approved on April 1<\/a>, began accepting prescriptions immediately via LillyDirect. Shipments started April 6, with broader availability across U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth platforms rolling out from April 9.<\/p>\n In March, Novo Nordisk introduced a multi-month subscription<\/a> program for its obesity treatment Wegovy (semaglutide), aiming to make pricing more predictable for self-pay patients and improve long-term adherence.<\/p>\n Earlier in March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a higher-dose version of Wegovy, marking an expansion of its treatment portfolio for adults with obesity<\/a>.<\/p>\n