Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro is positioned to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) and claim the top spot in sales within the obesity and diabetes market.

However, a potential challenger has emerged in the form of Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro //(tirzepatide), which secured FDA approval for obesity in November 2023.

Mounjaro, also marketed as Zepbound, is a first-in-class drug developed by Eli Lilly. This dual GIPR and GLP1R inhibitor works by stimulating the adenylyl cyclase pathway, leading to enhanced insulin synthesis and release. It was first approved in the US in May 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and was subsequently approved for obesity in the US and UK in November 2023.

Mounjaro’s Superiority Over Ozempic in Weight Loss

Mounjaro’s superior efficacy over Ozempic has been demonstrated in a prominent meta-analysis of 22 trials released in October 2023 by Rodriquez and colleagues. The study found that Mounjaro’s high, medium, and low doses (15mg, 10mg, and 5mg) outperformed Ozempic’s corresponding high, medium, and low doses (2mg, 1mg, and 0.5mg) in reducing diabetes biomarkers. Moreover, the lowest approved dose of Mounjaro, 5mg, demonstrated superior weight loss efficacy compared to Ozempic’s 1mg and 0.5mg injectable doses. “Ozempic is forecast to lead in sales in the short-term, having secured its first approval in May 2017, five years ahead of Mounjaro,” said Kevin Marcaida, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, in a statement.

“However, Mounjaro’s sales forecast considers its superior clinical efficacy, positioning it to surpass Ozempic in 2027 and excel in terms of annual growth rates,” he added. Mounjaro is expected to achieve an impressive compound annual growth rate of 36 percent, outpacing Ozempic’s 6.5 percent, over the next seven years. Mounjaro’s strong forecast is primarily attributed to its November 2023 FDA approval for obesity, with the US anticipated to be its most lucrative market, accounting for 76 percent of total sales from 2023 to 2029. These forecasts are further bolstered by a UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval for obesity alongside a Canada drug launch for Type 2 diabetes in the same month.

“Mounjaro is expected to become the leading drug by sales by 2029 for the obesity and diabetes market, surpassing and slimming down competitors’ market share including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Rybelsus, and CagriSema and AstraZeneca’s Forxiga,” Marcaida said. “Mounjaro’s trajectory positions Eli Lilly as a significant player in the obesity and diabetes pharmaceutical market, establishing a strong presence alongside Novo Nordisk,” he added.

Source-IANS