Eli Lilly Q1 Revenue Jumps 56% to $19.8bn, Guidance Raised to $82–$85bn
Eli Lilly’s Q1 revenue climbed 56% year-over-year to $19.8bn, led by Mounjaro sales of $8.7bn and Zepbound sales of $4.2bn. The company raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $82bn–$85bn and agreed to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals for up to $7.8bn, with Nxera retaining milestone rights.
1. Q1 Revenue and Growth Drivers
Eli Lilly reported Q1 revenue of $19.8bn, up 56% year-over-year, beating consensus by $2.4bn. Growth was driven by robust demand for its GLP-1 drugs in cardiometabolic therapies.
2. Revised 2026 Revenue Guidance
The company raised its 2026 revenue guidance by $2bn to a range of $82bn–$85bn, reflecting confidence in continued sales momentum across its obesity and diabetes portfolio.
3. GLP-1 Portfolio Breakdown and Foundayo Launch
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) generated $8.7bn in Q1 (+125% year-over-year), while Zepbound (tirzepatide) delivered $4.2bn (+80%). The newly launched oral GLP-1, Foundayo, secured over 8,000 prescribers since its April 9 pharmacy rollout, with early payer and provider feedback deemed encouraging.
4. Centessa Acquisition and Nxera Rights
Lilly agreed to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals for up to $7.8bn, securing late-stage assets in immunology, neurology and oncology. Nxera Pharma, which spun out Centessa in 2019, will retain rights to milestone payments and royalties from the transaction.