Eli Lilly CEO Reports Foundayo Captures One-Third of New GLP-1 Pill Patients
Eli Lilly's CEO, Dave Ricks, told CNBC that one-third of new patients starting treatment with GLP-1 pills are using the company’s drug, Foundayo. The oral medication entered the U.S. market in April and recorded $98 million in sales during its first quarter on the market. As demand for obesity treatments grows, Lilly is expanding production capacity to meet rising patient needs. Lilly recently broke ground on a new $6.5 billion manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, which will produce Foundayo as well as active ingredients for other small-molecule medicines across various therapeutic areas. The plant is expected to be operational by 2030 and marks part of the company’s broader strategy to reshore production and strengthen its competitive position against rivals like Novo Nordisk. The CEO expressed confidence in Lilly's long-term prospects in the GLP-1 pill market, especially with plans for international expansion. Medicare coverage of obesity drugs, which began in July 2025, is also expected to boost access to Foundayo and other weight-loss treatments from the company.
Topics: GLP-1 Drugs Investment in Manufacturing Obesity Treatments Pharmaceuticals