Eli Lilly CEO says 700,000 new seniors have started GLP-1s after Medicare coverage, and 70% are on Lilly drugs

Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks disclosed Monday that 700,000 new seniors have initiated GLP-1 treatments since Medicare coverage for obesity drugs began in July, with 70% of those patients using Lilly medications. The figures, shared with CNBC, represent the latest data on how the new Medicare coverage is expanding the market for GLP-1 drugs.

The Medicare coverage expansion, which took effect in July, marks a significant shift in access to obesity treatments for the senior population. Ricks' disclosure quantifies adoption in the first months of the program and underscores Lilly's dominant share among new Medicare-covered GLP-1 users.

The 70% market share among new Medicare seniors puts Lilly well ahead of competitors in capturing patients under the expanded coverage. The 700,000 figure represents incremental demand from a previously untapped senior demographic.