Lilly captures 70% of new Medicare patients on GLP-1 drugs

Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks stated that about 700,000 seniors have started GLP-1 treatments since Medicare began covering obesity drugs in July 2026. Lilly medicines account for roughly 70% of those new patients, representing about 490,000 people. Under the temporary Medicare Bridge program, eligible beneficiaries can access obesity therapies such as Zepbound and Foundayo for a $50 monthly co-pay.

The rapid uptake reinforces Lilly's major presence in the weight-loss sector. In the first half of 2026, Zepbound generated $9.09 billion in revenue, up 60% year over year, while diabetes drug Mounjaro brought in $18.61 billion, up 106%. Together, both therapies accounted for 65% of Lilly's total revenue during that period. The company is actively expanding manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand.

Lilly is expanding across both injectable and oral treatments. Ricks noted that Zepbound remains popular among patients with higher body weight and complications, while one-third of new oral GLP-1 patients choose Foundayo. In clinical trials for adults aged 65 and older, Foundayo showed up to a 13% mean weight reduction at 72 weeks at the highest dose. Reuters reported earlier in September 2026 that Foundayo captured over 30% of new U.S. oral obesity-drug patients.

The Medicare volume surge does not translate directly into equal profit gains because the program involves negotiated economics with lower realized prices. Medicare also covers Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, intensifying competition in a sector projected by Reuters to reach $100 billion annually within the next decade. Additionally, the Bridge program is temporary and runs through December 2027, creating uncertainty about coverage after the pilot ends.