In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen Eli Lilly CEO: The Weight-Loss Drug Revolution, AI in Pharma, and Innovation
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Feb 19, 2025 David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, leads the pharmaceutical giant in innovative ventures, particularly with groundbreaking weight-loss drugs showing promise for various health issues. He discusses the surprising benefits of diabetes medications in combating obesity and their implications for chronic diseases. Ricks reveals how AI is revolutionizing drug development, allowing companies to cut timelines dramatically. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven leadership and open communication in fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
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GLP-1's Broad Impact
- GLP-1 drugs, initially for diabetes, impact weight by affecting the brain's desire center.
- This affects blood sugar, metabolism, and potentially Alzheimer's, expanding their use.
Weight Loss: From Side Effect to Design Goal
- In 2007, Eli Lilly's annual report featured a patient who lost weight while controlling diabetes with a GLP-1 drug.
- Weight loss, initially a side effect, became a design goal for later GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro.
Obesity: A Survival Instinct Backfire
- The rising obesity rate may be due to our ancestors' survival instinct to store calories.
- This instinct, beneficial in times of scarcity, is now detrimental in our food-abundant society.