Lilly(US:LLY) 3 6 Ke·2025-06-25 09:48Core Viewpoint - Tirzepatide, a drug by Eli Lilly, has shown impressive sales growth and market penetration, significantly impacting the company's stock performance since its approval in May 2022, with a stock price increase of 180% [1][16]. Group 1: Sales Performance and Market Position - Tirzepatide achieved a combined revenue of $5 billion in Q1 2025, accounting for 39% of Eli Lilly's total revenue, with a year-on-year growth rate exceeding 100% [1][12]. - As of Q1 2025, Eli Lilly's total prescription volume in the U.S. for GLP-1 receptor agonists reached 53.3%, surpassing its main competitor, Novo Nordisk [3][5]. - The rapid growth in prescription volume for tirzepatide is attributed to higher patient acceptance and superior efficacy compared to semaglutide [5][10]. Group 2: Clinical Efficacy and Competitive Advantage - In head-to-head clinical trials, tirzepatide demonstrated superior weight loss results compared to semaglutide, with an average weight loss of 20.2% versus 13.7% [8][9]. - The trial results support tirzepatide's position as a more effective treatment option, which is expected to sustain its sales growth [6][10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Challenges - The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged, leading to supply shortages for semaglutide, which has allowed tirzepatide to capture excess demand [11][12]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with 179 GLP-1 drug candidates in clinical stages from 45 companies, indicating potential future sales pressure for both semaglutide and tirzepatide [12][14]. - Patent expirations for semaglutide in key markets like China and India in 2026 may lead to significant price reductions for generic versions, impacting tirzepatide's market position [14][15]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Tirzepatide's success has stimulated investment interest across the GLP-1 supply chain, with various companies advancing their own GLP-1 drug candidates [16][17]. - Notable companies in the GLP-1 space include Hengrui Medicine, which has multiple candidates in clinical trials, and other firms like East China Pharmaceutical and Innovent Biologics that are also progressing rapidly [17].