Eli Lilly Captures 70% of New Medicare GLP-1 Patients, CEO Says

Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said Monday that Lilly is capturing seven of every 10 new Medicare patients who started weight loss drugs since the federal program began covering obesity treatments in July 2026. About 700,000 seniors have entered the weight loss drug market through Medicare coverage, Ricks told CNBC, with the injectable Zepbound serving as the primary driver. Medicare's temporary Bridge initiative allows qualifying enrollees to pay $50 per month. The program covers Zepbound, Lilly's oral pill Foundayo and products from Novo Nordisk. Ricks said one-third of new patients starting oral weight loss drugs choose Foundayo, which launched in April 2026. Lilly held roughly 61% of the combined obesity and diabetes drug market in the second quarter, versus about 39% for Novo, whose stock has lost roughly 15% in 2026. Foundayo generated $98 million in its first three months of commercial availability. Lilly broke ground Monday on a $6.5 billion Houston plant producing active pharmaceutical ingredients, with operations expected by 2030.