In its most recent phase 3 trial, Eli Lilly’s experimental triple-hormone agent retatrutide achieved an average body-weight reduction of 28.7% at week 68, outpacing the 26.6% loss recorded for tirzepatide in a prior study with intensive lifestyle intervention. Notably, over 12% of participants suffering from knee osteoarthritis reported complete resolution of joint pain by the end of the trial, suggesting that retatrutide may offer a dual benefit in weight management and pain relief. These results position retatrutide as a potential best-in-class therapy and broaden its commercial appeal beyond metabolic indications alone.

In the quarter ended September 30, 2025, Lilly reported a 54% year-over-year revenue increase to $17.6 billion, powered primarily by its GLP-1 franchise. Mounjaro and Zepbound together generated $10.1 billion during the period, accounting for the vast majority of growth. Both products continue to exceed 100% sales growth year over year in key markets, reflecting strong clinician adoption, expanding payer coverage and rising patient demand for obesity and diabetes therapies.

To maintain its leadership in metabolic and weight-loss drug discovery, Eli Lilly committed $1 billion to an AI co-innovation lab with NVIDIA, aiming to reduce time and cost in early-stage R&D by up to 70%. Concurrently, the company is advancing an oral GLP-1 candidate through regulatory review and exploring additional indications—such as sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk reduction—for its existing portfolio. This multipronged strategy underscores management’s focus on sustaining high growth while diversifying long-term revenue streams.