Eli Lilly Backs Foundayo Launch After $98 Million Debut as UAE Sales Signal Ex-US Strength
Updated
Updated · BioSpace · Aug 5
Eli Lilly Backs Foundayo Launch After $98 Million Debut as UAE Sales Signal Ex-US Strength
3 articles · Updated · BioSpace · Aug 5
Summary
$98 million in Q2 sales gave Foundayo a modest first quarter after its April 1 FDA approval, trailing Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill at $355 million in its comparable launch period.
U.S. uptake was slow because Lilly is introducing a new obesity pill category rather than extending an established injectable brand, though management said monthly volume has doubled and nearly 1 in 4 new patients now start on Foundayo.
$31 million in UAE sales stood out as the clearest sign of overseas potential, with analysts saying ex-U.S. demand helped offset uncertainty around the U.S. launch; subscribers have grown to 36,000 from about 8,000.
$23 billion in quarterly revenue and a raised 2026 outlook of $85 billion to $87 billion reinforced Lilly’s confidence, while executives also signaled more dealmaking could follow a string of recent acquisitions.