Amgen, newer rivals could threaten Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly's weight loss drug dominance

Amgen and other pharmaceutical companies are poised to challenge the dominance of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the weight loss drug market. Amgen's MariTide, offering potentially less frequent dosing and longer-lasting effects, stands out among emerging competitors like Viking Therapeutics, Altimmune, and AstraZeneca. Despite the competition, the demand for existing drugs Wegovy and Zepbound remains strong, with the market expected to grow significantly.

Amgen's MariTide could disrupt the market with its monthly or quarterly dosing, which might reduce side effects compared to the weekly treatments currently available. This advancement, alongside expanded manufacturing capabilities, positions Amgen favorably against its competitors. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are developing new formulations to maintain their market share, with promising drugs in late-stage trials that could enhance their current offerings.