Eli Lilly's Q1 2025: Navigating Contradictions in Innovation, Orforglipron Positioning, and Market Access Strategies

Focus on innovation vs. PBM restrictions, Orforglipron's efficacy and positioning, role of Orforglipron in the marketplace, pricing strategy and access improvement, oral medication strategy and market access are the key contradictions discussed in Eli Lilly's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Revenue Growth and Key Product Performance:
- Eli Lilly and Company reported a 45% increase in revenue for Q1 2025, driven by key products such as Ebglyss, Jaypirca, Kisunla, Mounjaro, Omvoh, Verzenio, and Zepbound, which now account for $7.5 billion of revenue.
- Revenue growth was supported by strong volume growth of key products and regulatory approvals.

Orforglipron Clinical Trial Success:
- Eli Lilly shared positive Phase 3 data from the orforglipron trial, showing reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels and significant weight loss outcomes similar to injectable GLP-1 agonists.
- This clinical data supports the potential for orforglipron to impact the market significantly as an oral alternative, potentially impacting hundreds of millions globally.

Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health Product Performance:
- Mounjaro sales were $3.8 billion, more than double the same quarter last year, and Zepbound sales increased by $1.8 billion to $2.3 billion in the quarter.
- Strong performance was attributed to new prescription growth and market leadership in diabetes incretin analogs and anti-obesity market.

Tariff and Trade Environment Impact:
- Eli Lilly acknowledged potential impacts from announced tariffs but asserted that they have been absorbed within the 2025 financial outlook, and the focus remains on domestic investment and negotiating favorable trade deals.
- The company is actively engaged in shaping trade policies to support domestic growth and minimize negative effects from potential tariff expansions.