Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 pill Foundayo cut A1c by 2.2 points and outperformed oral semaglutide and dapagliflozin in three late-stage diabetes trials, intensifying pressure on Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide franchise. Novo Nordisk’s CEO outlined expansion into longevity and aesthetics while Pfizer’s weight-loss shot showed Wegovy-like gastrointestinal side effects in mid-stage testing.
In three late-stage type 2 diabetes trials, Lilly’s oral GLP-1 candidate Foundayo delivered a 2.2 percentage-point reduction in A1c versus oral semaglutide’s 14 mg dose and up to a 1.7-point reduction versus dapagliflozin. Foundayo also drove 7.3% weight loss compared to 3.0% for dapagliflozin, marking a significant competitive threat to Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide-based therapies.
Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar signaled a strategic shift beyond obesity and diabetes, directing research toward semaglutide’s potential in organ protection and biological aging. He confirmed interest in applying GLP-1 technology to longevity research and aesthetic medicine such as skincare and hair loss, aiming to diversify the company’s growth drivers.
Pfizer’s monthly weight-loss injection in a mid-stage trial exhibited gastrointestinal side effects on par with Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, suggesting a closely matched safety profile. This development adds competitive pressure as Novo Nordisk expands its GLP-1 portfolio and explores new therapeutic areas.
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