TLDR
- Eli Lilly shares gained 0.16% in pre-market trading after new Foundayo data.
- Foundayo delivered 1.5% greater weight loss than oral semaglutide at 52 weeks.
- The treatment reduced A1C by 0.3% more than oral semaglutide in the analysis.
- Lilly used ACHIEVE-3 and PIONEER PLUS data for the indirect comparison.
- Foundayo could strengthen Lilly’s expanding diabetes and weight-management portfolio.
Eli Lilly shares gained in pre-market trading after the company released new comparative data for its oral diabetes treatment Foundayo. The analysis showed stronger weight loss and blood sugar reductions than oral semaglutide 25 mg. Shares rose 0.16% to $1,187.93 after gaining 0.11% during the previous session.
Eli Lilly Shares Rise After Foundayo Data
The company presented the findings at the EASD annual meeting in Milan. The results compared Foundayo 17.2 mg with oral semaglutide 25 mg across separate clinical studies. The update strengthened Lilly’s growing body of research supporting its oral diabetes treatment.
Lilly used data from its ACHIEVE-3 study and the PIONEER PLUS study for the analysis. Researchers adjusted results for age, gender, starting weight, and baseline A1C levels. The approach allowed researchers to compare treatment outcomes despite lacking a direct head-to-head trial.
At 52 weeks, Foundayo delivered 1.5% greater average weight loss than oral semaglutide 25 mg. It also reduced A1C levels by an additional 0.3% during the comparison period. Alternative statistical methods produced similar results across weight loss and blood sugar measures.
Foundayo Shows Stronger Weight Loss Results
Additional analyses showed Foundayo produced between 1.5% and 2.4% greater weight loss than oral semaglutide. Meanwhile, A1C reductions ranged between 0.3% and 0.6% more than the competing treatment. These findings added support for Foundayo within the expanding oral diabetes treatment market.
The findings did not come from a direct clinical trial comparing both medicines. Lilly relied on an indirect treatment comparison because head-to-head trial results remain unavailable. Direct clinical studies generally provide stronger evidence when comparing separate medicines.
Foundayo also uses a dosing approach without fasting requirements or specific water restrictions. That feature could help distinguish the medicine from some existing oral treatments. Lilly continues expanding its cardiometabolic portfolio across diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic conditions.
Lilly Expands Its Diabetes Treatment Portfolio
Lilly already holds a strong position in metabolic medicine through Zepbound and other tirzepatide-based treatments. Foundayo could broaden that portfolio with another oral treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes. The latest findings support the company’s wider push into diabetes and weight management.
Competition remains strong across the fast-growing metabolic treatment market. Novo Nordisk offers several semaglutide-based medicines and continues expanding its diabetes and obesity business. Drugmakers are increasingly developing treatments that target both glucose control and body weight.
The latest Foundayo analysis gives Lilly additional clinical evidence supporting its oral treatment program. However, direct testing against oral semaglutide would provide a clearer comparison between both medicines. Future clinical results could further define Foundayo’s position within the competitive diabetes market.



