Weight-Loss Drug Developers Race for $100 Billion Market as Oral Therapies Reshape Competition

The global weight-loss drug market is projected to generate approximately $100 billion in annual sales within the next decade, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading a crowded field of developers racing to capture share in the rapidly expanding sector. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill received UK approval in June and European clearance in July, while Eli Lilly's orforglipron, branded Foundayo, won US approval in April and UK approval in August. Lilly said in September it has captured more than 30% of new US patients for oral obesity treatments. At least ten companies are advancing candidates. Pfizer targets 2028 for its first weight-loss approval. Roche's CT-388 produced up to 22.7% weight loss in mid-stage trials. Amgen is running six late-stage MariTide trials. Merck, AstraZeneca, Viking Therapeutics, Structure Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim and Kailera Therapeutics are also developing competing treatments.