Weight-loss drugs swell revenues at Eli Lilly

(Sharecast News) - Eli Lilly and Company posted a surge in fourth-quarter revenues on Thursday, fuelled by strong demand for its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs. The US pharmaceutical firm said volume growth from tirzepatide drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound had helped drive revenues up by 45% to $13.5bn.

Obesity drug Zepbound generated sales of $1.91bn during the quarter, while Mounjaro - which was developed as a treatment for diabetes - brought in $3.53bn.

Both were slightly below forecasts, which Eli Lilly had previously flagged, blaming constraints at wholesalers.

Earnings per share rocketed 102% to $4.88 on a reported basis.

Looking to the current year, Eli Lilly said annual revenues were set to come in between $58bn and $61bn, in line with forecasts, while EPS was expected to be between $22.05 and $23.55, also in line with Wall Street estimates.

The company plans to launch Mounjaro in a number of new markets during 2025, including China, India and Brazil, as it targets both diabetes and weight-loss patients.

David Ricks, chief executive, said: "2024 was a highly successful year for Lilly. We had major data readouts for tirzepatide in treating chronic disease associated with obesity, invested billions more in expanding our manufacturing capacity and launched Kisunla and Ebglyss.

"We enter 2025 with tremendous momentum and look forward to strong financial performance and several important Phase III readouts, which, if positive, will further accelerate our long-term growth."

Kisunla is an Alzheimer's drug, while Ebglyss is designed to treat dermatitis.

Shares in Eli Lilly were up 1% in pre-market trading as at 1300 GMT.