Lilly (LLY.US) seeks to expand weight loss drug's indications to treat addiction

Intellidex learned that Eli Lilly and Company (LLY.US) CEO Dave Ricks said the company will begin studying whether its popular weight loss drug can also effectively control addiction behaviors such as alcoholism, smoking and drug abuse. During a meeting, Ricks said in an interview that the drugs are "anti-pleasure" and may help patients temporarily break free from drug addiction. Some doctors have already said the drug can help alleviate addiction, and rival Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO.US) said earlier this year they were planning to study addiction.

Ricks said: "These drugs are useful for other things we think are not related to weight. They are breaking this cycle of desire. So next year, you will see Lilly start large studies on alcohol abuse and nicotine treatment, even drug abuse."

Ricks also spoke about the price imbalance between drugs in the U.S. and abroad, saying patients overseas should pay more for their drugs. Ricks said this was a point made by President-elect Trump during his first term, and it is likely to be raised again.