Eli Lilly’s double impact: Mounjaro and Donanemab to ‘outshine’ market rivals

Both drugs are poised to exceed market expectations and challenge existing industry leaders, marking significant milestones in Eli Lilly’s journey towards market dominance, according to data and analytics firm GlobalData.

With trials indicating that Mounjaro is more effective than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, the company has already made a notable impact in the obesity and type 2 diabetes market – with demand so high than shortages​ have been reported.

Eleni Tokali, pharma analyst at GlobalData, said: “Mounjaro’s novel dual mechanism not only underscores its clinical value but also its potential to become the top-selling drug in its category by 2029.”

On the Alzheimer’s front, donanemab, Eli Lilly’s answer to Eisai and Biogen’s Leqembi (lecanemab), has emerged as a potential game-changer – with its targeted beta-amyloid plaque clearance approach.

With potential FDA approval on the horizon, the monoclonal antibody is projected to exceed the sales of competing treatments, offering new hope in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

Tokali adds: “Mounjaro’s projected growth rate signifies a potential shift in market dynamics in Eli Lilly’s favor, with its sales revenue poised to more than double compared to Wegovy, reaching an impressive $34 billion in 2029.”

At the same time, donanemab’s positive clinical trial results in combination with its projected sales figures that nearly triple from 2024 to 2025 suggest a potential positive impact on Eli Lilly’s earnings growth.

Tokali concludes: “The anticipated market performance of Mounjaro and donanemab underscores Eli Lilly’s strategic direction and its impact on healthcare innovation. The two drugs represent not only an opportunity for robust sales, but also an opportunity for Eli Lilly to outperform its competitors. The recent FDA’s decision to extend donanemab’s review process now stands as the critical juncture we await, shaping its future path.”