🚨🚨🚨FOLLOW THIS BLOGPOST THROUGHOUT THE MORNING FOR LIVE UPDATES
With Eli Lilly’s Q3 earnings call taking place later this morning, many in the GLP-1 community are watching closely, hoping for updates on the medications that have transformed weight loss and diabetes treatment. The quarter’s highlights set the stage for what could be a game-changing discussion on obesity and metabolic health therapies. Here’s a look at the key areas we’re paying attention to, and what might be in store for those following GLP-1 treatments.
Tirzepatide: Supply Questions Persist
Tirzepatide’s journey over the past two years has been marked by supply challenges, with the drug listed on the FDA’s shortage list until recently. Ironically, while the shortage status has been lifted, Eli Lilly’s Q3 financials suggest low inventory in wholesaler channels. This supply chain limitation impacted earnings, raising further questions about whether the shortage has truly ended for patients and providers who rely on consistent access. How Lilly addresses this issue will provide insight into what users can expect regarding the availability of both Mounjaro and Zepbound moving forward.
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Zepbound’s Single-Dose Vials: Will Higher Doses Become Available?
Another anticipated potential update is on Zepbound, specifically its new single-dose vials for self-pay patients, offered exclusively through LillyDirect. These vials, available for cash pay in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses, have expanded access to Zepbound by providing a more affordable option (especially for the uninsured and those enrolled in Medicare) than standard incretin medicines. The big question now is whether higher doses could soon be available in this single-dose format, which would broaden accessibility for patients requiring varied dosing levels. Additionally, there’s keen interest in whether Eli Lilly might reveal more about the pricing structure, especially in response to growing demand and the success of these direct channels.
Retatrutide, Orforglipron, and Eloralintide: The Next Wave in Obesity and Diabetes Treatment?
Beyond tirzepatide and Zepbound, Lilly’s pipeline of obesity and diabetes medications is gathering momentum. Key among these are Retatrutide, Orforglipron, and Eloralintide, all targeting aspects of obesity management and associated comorbidities. Retatrutide, in particular, is involved in extensive Phase 3 trials that investigate cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with obesity, suggesting broader potential for managing cardiometabolic health. Orforglipron’s series of trials in type 2 diabetes patients with cardiovascular risk factors and for maintenance of body weight reduction could make it a key player as a convenient, oral alternative to injectables.
An Expanded Portfolio and Next Steps
With multiple drugs across the stages of development, Lilly’s vision for the future of obesity and diabetes treatment appears far-reaching. From combination therapies like Bimagrumab with tirzepatide for weight management to Eloralintide’s potential for diabetes and obesity patients, the pipeline underscores a commitment to advancing new treatments that may address the spectrum of patient needs.
Final Thoughts
As we await more details, there’s a lot to look forward to in this earnings call. In particular, clarity around Zepbound’s single-dose vials, their availability at higher doses, and an understanding of pricing dynamics will be crucial for those navigating weight management options. The supply chain concerns around tirzepatide, despite its official “off shortage” status, are likely to be a focus as Lilly addresses the gaps in inventory across wholesaler channels.
Stay tuned to this post all morning for a deeper dive post-call, as we unpack the latest developments and what they mean for those on GLP-1 treatments. If you found this preview helpful, please share it within your networks, especially in Facebook groups and Reddit forums focused on GLP-1 medications and diabetes management.
10:23 am: Regulatory action on tirzepatide for sleep apnea in 2024 expected, and submittals for approve for HFpEF by end of this year.
10:24 am: A new trial will look at weight maintenance for patients who have lost weight with Tirzepatide, then using Orforglipron to maintain
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