Lilly CEO Talks Fighting Cancer and Obesity, Drug Pricing
Jan 13, 2025
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Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, dives into the company's bold $2.5 billion acquisition of Scorpion Therapeutics' breast cancer program, signaling a major commitment to oncology. He discusses the anticipated approval of Lilly's innovative oral weight-loss pill in early 2026 and its potential advantages over current treatments. Ricks also addresses the critical issue of drug pricing, exploring strategies for making new medications accessible while ensuring they deliver value and effective outcomes.
Eli Lilly's acquisition of Scorpion Therapeutics' breast cancer program for $2.5 billion highlights its strategic focus on enhancing oncology capabilities.
The ongoing development of Lilly's weight-loss pill, expected to receive approval by early 2026, reflects the company's commitment to diverse therapeutic innovation.
Deep dives
Eli Lilly's Recent Acquisition
Eli Lilly has announced its acquisition of Scorpion Therapeutics' breast cancer program for up to $2.5 billion, which fits well with its existing oncology portfolio. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Lilly's capabilities in breast cancer treatments, particularly with their leading drug, Resinio, which targets a specific mutation affecting 30 to 40 percent of breast cancer patients. The deal signifies Lilly's commitment to diversifying its therapeutic offerings and improving patient outcomes through innovative treatments. Additionally, the acquisition underlines Lilly's focus on expanding its presence in oncology, complementing its ongoing work in other therapeutic areas like diabetes and immunology.
Broad Therapeutic Focus Beyond Weight Loss
Eli Lilly's portfolio encompasses various therapeutic areas, with only 40% of its focus on diabetes and weight loss, which has been heavily spotlighted recently. The company also boasts a significant presence in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, with treatments for diseases like atopic dermatitis and Alzheimer’s. Products like EbGliss for skin conditions and the new Alzheimer's drug launched in September 2023 demonstrate Lilly's commitment to addressing serious health issues beyond obesity. This broad approach ensures that Lilly continues to innovate and provide vital medications for multiple demographic segments facing diverse health challenges.
Optimism for M&A and Market Expansion
Eli Lilly has maintained a consistent merger and acquisition strategy that emphasizes early-stage investment in therapeutic areas where it has expertise. The company has completed 100 deals in the last three years, focusing on smaller transactions that strengthen its pipeline without the immediate pressure of filling sales gaps. Looking ahead, Lilly's CEO expressed optimism about finding valuable assets that align with the company’s goals, particularly as it navigates potential changes in the regulatory landscape under the new administration. This approach will enable Lilly to continue to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of developing effective treatments in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Eli Lilly Chief Executive Officer Dave Ricks talks about paying $2.5 billion for a cancer drug being developed by Scorpion Therapeutics. He also says Lilly's experimental weight-loss pill could be approved in early 2026. He speaks to Bloomberg's Katie Greifeld from the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.