This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Eli Lilly (LLY, Financials) and Novo Nordisk (NVO, Financials) may have another growth catalyst emerging beyond obesity and diabetes treatment, as new research suggests their blockbuster GLP-1 medicines could be associated with improved cancer outcomes.
A series of studies found that patients taking GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic experienced lower rates of cancer progression, reduced mortality risk and, in some cases, a lower likelihood of developing breast cancer. While the findings are observational and do not prove cause and effect, researchers say the results are compelling enough to warrant further investigation.
One study from the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute followed more than 10,000 patients with early-stage cancers and found those using GLP-1 therapies were less likely to see their disease spread. Lung cancer progression rates were roughly cut in half compared with patients taking other diabetes medications, while breast, colorectal and liver cancer patients also showed improved outcomes.
Another analysis of more than 137,000 breast cancer patients found that over 95% of GLP-1 users were alive after five years, compared with 89.5% of nonusers.
For investors, the significance extends beyond the clinical findings. GLP-1 drugs are already transforming the treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If future trials confirm meaningful cancer-related benefits, the potential market opportunity for Lilly and Novo could expand substantially, strengthening the long-term growth outlook for both companies.