Lilly, Novartis and GSK earnings show divergent pharma momentum

· Health · United States · Switzerland

Third-quarter earnings from three large drugmakers painted a mixed picture. Eli Lilly posted better-than-expected results that allayed, for now, concerns over GLP-1 pricing pressure. Novartis withstood a tumultuous quarter and rebounded, while GSK battled investor angst. Separately, Bristol Myers Squibb used its earnings call to defend its pipeline and reemphasize plans to stave off one of the industry's most daunting patent cliffs, with executives touting later-stage business development interest. The results land as investors weigh how pricing pressure on obesity and diabetes drugs, and looming patent expirations, will shape revenue trajectories across big pharma.

Why it matters：The divergent results show how pricing pressure on GLP-1 drugs and patent cliffs are separating winners from laggards among big pharma, shaping expectations for the sector's next earnings cycle.

Key points

  • Lilly's better-than-expected results temporarily eased GLP-1 pricing concerns.
  • Novartis rebounded from a tumultuous quarter; GSK faced investor angst.
  • Bristol Myers Squibb defended its pipeline and flagged later-stage BD interest.

Sources (original reporting)

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