JPM26: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Compete Fiercely in Oral Obesity Treatments
At the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM26) on January 13, 2026, Novo Nordisk CEO forecasted that oral obesity treatments could capture over 30% of the obesity market by 2030.1
Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy pill in the US earlier in January 2026, following FDA approval of oral semaglutide in late December 2025, with full commercial rollout in early 2026.12
Eli Lilly announced advancement of five obesity treatments in Phase 3 trials, including oral orforglipron under FDA expedited approval, with expected pricing around $150 per month.1
Eli Lilly's orforglipron showed superior weight maintenance in the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial compared to semaglutide.2
Both companies presented dueling visions for oral obesity drugs at JPM26, intensifying competition, with 2026 dubbed the 'year of the orals'.32
Sources:
1. https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/01/15/26GZI2AAOJCV3LLGXMOEXU54QE/
2. https://www.iqvia.com/locations/emea/blogs/2026/01/outlook-for-obesity-in-2026