In this engaging discussion, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and a pioneer in diabetes and weight-loss medications, delves into the transformative impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. He highlights the potential for 9% of Americans using these medications by 2030 and discusses the company's skyrocketing revenue from innovative treatments. Ricks also explores how these drugs could revolutionize addiction treatment and disrupt various industries, reshaping health and consumer behavior for years to come.
GLP-1 drugs' popularity may lead to profound ripple effects in industries like healthcare and economy.
Research is exploring broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs, from addiction treatment to cardiovascular health.
Deep dives
The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Eli Lilly and the Pharma Market
Eli Lilly's success with GLP-1 drugs like terzepatide has disrupted the pharmaceutical industry. These drugs, generating billions in revenue, have caused a shortage due to high demand, leading Lilly to invest in new manufacturing plants. Challenges include supply shortages, retention issues, and varying effectiveness, highlighting the rapid growth of these medications.
Innovation and Future Potential with Rethritatide
Eli Lilly's focus on developing retread is a testament to their commitment to innovation. This drug, mimicking three key hormones, shows potential to be the most effective obesity treatment yet. Phase two trials reported significant weight loss results, hinting at a groundbreaking solution in the future pharmaceutical landscape.
Response from the Food Industry to GLP-1 Drugs
Food companies like Nestle and ConAgra are adapting to the rise of GLP-1 drugs by developing companion products and focusing on high-protein snacks. Wall Street and airlines are also monitoring these developments, anticipating potential shifts in consumer behavior that could impact various industries.
Wider Health Implications and Future Transformative Changes
Beyond weight loss, GLP-1 drugs show promise in treating conditions like Alzheimer's, addiction, and cardiovascular health. Studies are ongoing to explore these expanded benefits. The transformative impact of these drugs extends to altering societal conversations around obesity and influencing various sectors like healthcare and economy.
The rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs could cause all kinds of ripple effects.
According to one estimate, 9% of the U.S. population could be on Ozempic or similar medications by 2030. Meanwhile, drugmakers are already developing the next generation of weight-loss drugs and researchers are studying the possible health benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes, including addiction.
In the final episode of our series we ask: What could all this development mean for businesses, from the food sector to airlines? And who wins and who loses in the post-Ozempic economy?
Guests include: David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly; and Mehdi Farokhnia, an addiction researcher at the National Institutes of Health.