Eli Lilly's 38.94% Volume Drop to 14th Rank as Pricing Moves Spur Patient Exodus and Market Share Fears

On August 18, 2025, Eli Lilly (LLY) reported a trading volume of $3.5 billion, a 38.94% decline from the previous day, ranking 14th in market activity. The stock closed down 0.45%, reflecting market sensitivity to pricing adjustments and regulatory pressures in its key therapeutic areas.

Eli Lilly announced a 170% price increase for Mounjaro, its flagship weight-loss and diabetes drug, in the UK effective September 1. The move aligns with broader efforts to harmonize pricing across developed markets, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized “foreign freeloaders” for subsidizing American drug costs. The price hike has accelerated patient migration to competing products like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic/Wegovy, with UK sales of the latter surging “500 to 600%” as patients seek lower-cost alternatives. Analysts note this shift could pressure Eli’s market share in the obesity drug sector, which is projected to reach $150 billion by the early 2030s.

The company emphasized that NHS prices for Mounjaro remain unchanged, ensuring continued access for approximately 220,000 UK patients. However, private providers are negotiating discounts, and some clinics, like Juniper, are actively encouraging patients to switch to Wegovy. Eli Lilly’s pricing strategy underscores its commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in pharmaceutical innovation, but the aggressive price adjustments risk alienating European patients and healthcare systems. The company’s recent acquisition of Verve Therapeutics and collaboration with Gate Bioscience highlight its long-term focus on cardiovascular and gene therapies, though short-term volatility remains tied to its dominant obesity drug portfolio.

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