Despite missing expectations in obesity, Lilly’s oral GLP-1 should have leg-up in market

Phase III data from Lilly’s orforglipron in obesity appear to be enough to obtain approval and wide use. Although the strength of its efficacy fell short of investors’ expectations, buysiders should not discount the first-in-class oral small molecule GLP-1R agonist’s clean safety profile and clear manufacturing advantage over oral peptides.

The data from the Phase III ATTAIN-1 study came as Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) announced 2Q25 earnings that beat Street estimates and raised its 2025 revenue guidance. Nonetheless, investors dragged down Lilly’s shares $105.51 (14%) to $640.86 due to the obesity data. The sell-off equates to a loss of $94 billion in market valuation. ...