Eli Lilly and Co

Viking Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics stocks doubled in 2024. Analysts predict Viking could gain 166% to $125, and Summit 68% to $30 in 2025. Viking's VK2735, a weight loss drug, shows promising trial results. Summit's ivonescimab, a cancer therapy, outperforms Keytruda in trials.

Zealand Pharma and Eli Lilly are top weight-loss stock picks. Zealand's survodutide, in phase 3 trials, offers a unique mechanism. Eli Lilly's Zepbound, a blockbuster, sees $3B in manufacturing expansion. Both stocks have outperformed and show strong potential for continued growth.

Eli Lilly's Zepbound showed greater efficacy in a head-to-head trial against Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, leading to a 47% greater weight loss. Both companies have strong pipelines, but Lilly's diversified lineup and Zepbound's performance give it an edge. Investors can benefit from either stock due to their proven innovation and solid businesses.

AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals are considered unstoppable healthcare stocks due to strong business fundamentals, diverse portfolios, and innovative pipelines. AstraZeneca's acquisitions and growth potential, Eli Lilly's market-leading position and blockbuster drugs, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals' monopoly in cystic fibrosis treatments and innovative therapies make them top picks for long-term investment.

Duloxetine, sold under the brand name Cymbalta, was recalled due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing nitrosamine, N-nitrosoduloxetine. Over 233,000 bottles were recalled by Rising Pharmaceuticals, with the FDA classifying it as a class II risk, indicating temporary or reversible health consequences. Duloxetine, an SNRI, is used to treat depression, pain, and anxiety by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain.

Eli Lilly's Zepbound outperformed Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a head-to-head trial for weight loss, with Zepbound users achieving 20.2% weight loss vs. 13.7% with Wegovy. Tirzepatide, in Zepbound, targets two gut hormones, enhancing its effectiveness over semaglutide in Wegovy. Full study results are pending publication.

The Indian pharmaceutical retail market rebounded in November with double-digit growth, driven by increased demand for dermatological, cardiac, and respiratory medications. Foracort, an asthma drug, topped sales at ₹82 crore. Urology, dermatology, cardiology, and pain relief therapies saw significant growth. Sun Pharma leads with an 8% market share. Analysts predict high-single-digit growth through 2025, driven by price increases and new product launches.