Eli Lilly's new oral weight-loss drug Foundayo (orforglipron) recorded 3,707 prescriptions in its second week on the U.S. market, according to IQVIA data cited by analysts. This figure trails the 18,410 prescriptions that Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy achieved during the same period after its launch, highlighting the competitive challenge Lilly faces in the obesity treatment space.
Lilly shares fell approximately 4% to $880.57 in recent trading, while Novo Nordisk's U.S.-listed stock rose about 5.7% to $40.72. The market's reaction underscores the high stakes in the obesity drug race, where Lilly's oral option is being closely watched as a potential alternative to injectables like Zepbound. However, Novo's head start—including established brand recognition and pharmacy presence—has given it a significant early advantage.
In its launch week, Foundayo saw 1,390 prescriptions, while Wegovy jumped from 3,071 to 18,410 in its second week. RBC Capital analyst Trung Huynh noted that while early comparisons may be immaterial, the data is likely to be viewed negatively. J.P. Morgan's Chris Schott attributed Wegovy's stronger ramp to its name recognition and market momentum.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Foundayo on April 1 for adults with obesity or overweight-related conditions. Lilly began shipping on April 6 through LillyDirect, pharmacies, and telehealth channels. The drug is a once-daily GLP-1 pill that targets appetite and blood sugar pathways, with no need to time doses around meals.
Lilly's ATTAIN-1 trial showed patients on the highest dose lost an average of 27.3 pounds (12.4% of body weight), compared to 2.2 pounds (0.9%) for placebo. CEO David Ricks emphasized that fewer than 1 in 10 eligible patients currently use GLP-1 therapies, signaling a large untapped market.
Early prescription data can be volatile as distribution ramps up, and Lilly has cautioned that initial counts may miss some pharmacy partners. Analysts advise watching trends over several weeks for a clearer picture. However, the market has already reacted to the gap.
Safety concerns also linger. The FDA has requested post-marketing studies on liver injury, though Lilly says late-stage trials found no evidence of liver damage. BMO Capital's Evan Seigerman called the studies notable but not impactful on Foundayo's competitive position. Last week, Lilly reported that Foundayo matched insulin glargine on cardiovascular outcomes in a type 2 diabetes study, and it is seeking FDA approval for that indication before the second quarter ends.
Lilly's first-quarter 2026 earnings report on April 30 will provide further insight into Foundayo's rollout, obesity drug strategy, and what early prescription numbers truly mean. The conference call begins at 10 a.m. Eastern.
