New research is reshaping how clinicians think about GLP-1 use across pregnancy and obesity care, alongside major legal and financial developments for the drugs’ top manufacturers. Here are eight GLP-1 updates to know.
- A federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought by compounding pharmacy Strive Specialties against Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, ruling the company failed to allege a legally cognizable product market. The Aug. 3 ruling is the latest turn in a yearslong fight between GLP-1 manufacturers and compounders.
- CMS will begin sharing monthly GLP-1 Bridge utilization data with Part D plans this fall, giving insurers visibility into how their enrollees use the program despite having no direct administrative role. The Bridge program launched July 1 and runs through the end of 2027.
- Eli Lilly widened its GLP-1 revenue lead over Novo Nordisk in the second quarter, reporting $22.97 billion in revenue, up 48% year over year, even as Novo’s oral Wegovy pill surpassed 5 million U.S. prescriptions. Novo posted about $12.3 billion in net sales, up 3%, and raised its full-year outlook.
- An international expert panel published consensus guidelines on GLP-1 use in reproductive health, reviewing 34 studies on incretin-based medications before, during and after pregnancy. The panel found no studies reported increased risk of congenital anomalies but recommends discontinuing the drugs as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
- As employers scale back GLP-1 coverage, major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Amazon and CVS are expanding direct-to-consumer prescription programs to capture cash-pay patients. A survey found 6% of large employers dropped GLP-1 coverage this year, and industry experts said the trend favors large chains while pressuring independent pharmacies.
- Eli Lilly has built a formal expanded access program for retatrutide, its experimental obesity drug, following weeks of physician inquiries about securing early access. The move follows a June report that a 79-year-old patient received compassionate use access in April. Lilly has not yet submitted the drug for FDA approval but plans to do so in early 2027.
- GLP-1 therapies may allow clinicians to tailor obesity treatment to patients’ individual cardiometabolic needs rather than focusing on weight loss alone. Researchers found semaglutide 7.2 milligram injections achieved the highest overall Cardiometabolic Efficacy Index score, while orforglipron showed stronger effects on blood sugar control and semaglutide showed larger effects on body weight.
- The VA is launching a clinical trial to evaluate whether semaglutide can treat alcohol use disorder among veterans. The Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans trial will enroll more than 600 veterans at 18 VA medical centers, with participants receiving weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks. Recruitment began July 28.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
