Dernières nouvelles pour Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) Stock

Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly is a drug firm with a focus on neuroscience, cardiometabolic, cancer, and immunology. Lilly's key products include Verzenio for cancer; Mounjaro, Zepbound, Jardiance, Trulicity, Humalog, and Humulin for cardiometabolic; and Taltz and Olumiant for immunology.

Eli Lilly and Co

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Liberty Media Corporation - Series A Liberty Live Common Stock

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Tidal Trust II Defiance Daily Target 2X Long LLY ETF

ELI LILLY ORD

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) and Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) have dominated the obesity drug market with their leading therapies, Wegovy and Zepbound, but the next generation of treatments could shift this dynamic.
These new drugs, expected to hit the market by 2029, aim to surpass current efficacy levels while offering more convenient dosing options, such as oral and monthly injections. This shift, driven by innovation and competition, could change the market landscape despite Novo and Lilly&#8217;s current hold on the sector.
According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt4eb669caa7dc65b2/blt79266ca5d3a390c1/Obesity_Drug_Market_Report.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by Morningstar, the global GLP-1 market is poised to reach $200 billion by 2031, with obesity treatment expected to account for 68% of sales.
While Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are projected to retain two-thirds of this market, driven by first-mover advantage and robust pipelines, new competitors could claim significant market share.
Public and private biopharma firms are increasingly focusing on cardiometabolic drug development, with 16 new obesity drugs potentially launching by 2029 the report added.
This pipeline includes candidates from major players such as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40422774/roche-misses-out-on-weight-loss-blockbuster-drug-now-playing-catch-up-in-booming-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roche Holdings AG</a> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RHHBY#OTC">RHHBY</a>), Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), and private companies like Boehringer Ingelheim.
Roche released topline results from the ongoing multi-part Phase 1 trial for CT-996, showing data better compared <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39817857/obesity-drugs-focused-stocks-tumble-on-wednesday-whats-going-on-with-eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-vikin" rel="noreferrer noopener">to existing competitors</a>. Despite Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly&#8217;s strong market positions, some analysts view their stocks as overvalued.
Achieving the market penetration needed to justify their current valuations would require near-unprecedented success, including capturing 75% of the U.S. obesity market and 95% of the global market by 2031.
Additionally, maintaining stable pricing seems unlikely, with increased competition and innovation expected to put downward pressure on drug prices.
Supply chain issues pose further challenges. Both companies face difficulties in manufacturing peptide-based drugs at scale, such as Wegovy and Zepbound.
While oral peptide drugs like high-dose Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Rybelsus and Viking Therapeutics Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37937068/viking-therapeutics-investigational-oral-obesity-drug-shows-reduced-weight-in-small-study" rel="noreferrer noopener">VK2735 offer alternatives</a>, they may be even harder to supply due to the higher doses required for efficacy.
Small molecule drugs, like Lilly&#8217;s orforglipron and Pfizer&#8217;s<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39753273/with-oral-anti-obesity-candidate-development-pfizer-seeks-relevant-and-competitive-" rel="noreferrer noopener"> danuglipron</a>, offer the best potential for scalable production, promising more streamlined manufacturing processes.
New entrants to the obesity drug market are pushing the envelope, with drug candidates from companies like Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), Altimmune Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALT#NASDAQ">ALT</a>), and Zealand Pharma (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZLDPF#OTC">ZLDPF</a>) on the horizon.
In a phase 1 study, Amgen&#8217;s AMG 133 showed an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and pronounced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36934096/weight-loss-drugs-new-entrant-amgen-to-compete-with-novo-nordisk-eli-lilly-as-investigational-wei" rel="noreferrer noopener">dose-dependent weight loss</a>.&nbsp;
Altimmune said the body composition study of pemvidutide showed preservation of lean mass, with 25.5% of weight loss derived from lean mass and 74.5% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37958653/why-is-obesity-drug-developer-altimmune-stock-trading-lower-on-wednesday" rel="noreferrer noopener">from adipose tissue</a>.
These next-generation drugs could challenge the dominance of Novo and Lilly, especially if they offer better efficacy or fewer side effects.
However, Wegovy and Zepbound&#8217;s entrenched positions and ongoing innovation may keep Novo and Lilly at the forefront for the foreseeable future.
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Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Could Face Downward Pressure Despite Market Dominance From Potentially 16 New Obesity Drugs: See The Names

When considering a long position in a stock, investors usually consider buying shares in a company to express their views. However, they need to realize that there is a much more aggressive way to gain long exposure to a stock. This other way is through the options market, but there is, of course, a main caveat to participating in these products.
When buying options, investors need to correctly determine a stock&#39;s direction and the timing of the trade, or else risk losing 100% of the initial investment. Knowing this, when investors see unusual call options volume in any stock, the surge can be taken as a very strong view coming from a few investors willing to lose it all, as their confidence justifies the risk.
Today, three stocks have reported a spike in call option volume to show where the upside potential is being perceived in the markets today. These stocks are the SPDR Gold Shares (ARCA:GLD) as a way to play the rallies left in gold prices, then there is a financial sector play through shares of Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hood#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>); finally, there seemed to be a breakout in interest for a healthcare sector view in Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hims#NYSE">HIMS</a>).
<h2>Traders Bet on Gold Reaching a New All-Time High</h2>
Throughout the year, gold has repeatedly made new all-time highs, but this time, traders think there is one more rally in the making for the precious metal. It might all have to do with where the new business cycle is taking markets next.
As the Federal Reserve (the Fed) accepts that inflation for the United States might stay above its 2% target for a while, other nations like China have started to stockpile gold reserves ahead of potential dollar weakness. Given that gold, like many other commodities, is dollar-quoted, investors can expect it to go the opposite of where the dollar goes.
Interest rates are one of the main drivers of currency valuations, and now that the Fed has also cut interest rates at the most aggressive pace in 16 years, a bet on a weaker dollar could start to make sense. That is why some traders found room in their allocation budgets to invest in the gold ETF.
Knowing that this trend could accelerate in the coming months, Truist Financial decided to boost their holdings in this ETF by 5.2% as of August 2024, netting their investment at $95.3 million today, to show investors signs of institutional bullishness facing the upside potential.
<h2>Robinhood Stock Gains Attention with Double-Digit Upside Potential</h2>
Over the past couple of quarterly announcements, Robinhood has delivered impressive growth in all of its key performance indicators (KPIs), especially user growth and monetization rates. Now that the next earnings season is almost here, bets are off with the view that Robinhood will once again deliver satisfying results.
These call option traders weren&#39;t the only ones willing to share their optimistic views for Robinhood&#39;s future. Analysts at Bank of America decided to reiterate their &quot;Buy&quot; rating for the company, this time coupled with a $32 share price target.
To prove these new targets right, the stock would need to rally by as much as 24.5% from where it trades today and make a new 52-week high. Momentum favors Robinhood stock, and that&#39;s something else investors should take into account when reviewing a potential long position in the company.
Lower interest rates also mean lower yields on savings accounts at the big banks, so more and more people might look to Robinhood&#39;s platform and managed money products for an alternative chance at better returns on their savings and liquid capital.
This trend could significantly increase earnings, justifying the options trade and the recent price target boost.
<h2>Hims &amp; Hers Stock Bounces Back After Misguided Sell-off</h2>
After investors thought that big healthcare name Eli Lilly &amp; Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>) entering the weight loss and GLP-1 market would have been trouble for Hims &amp; Hers, worrying sentiment brought the stock down by as much as 43.4% from its previous highs.
Even though the stock swiftly recovered from part of the sell-off, rallying by 36.5%, it still trades at a mere 68% of its 52-week high, giving investors plenty of room to expect another recovery rally back to previous levels. This time, however, there is a clear catalyst that could close this gap for Hims &amp; Hers stock, which is why option traders stepped in.
Reaching the size and quality requirements, Hims &amp; Hers stock is now being added to the S&amp;P 600 small cap index, which would require a mandatory investment and weighing by some of the broader exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there such as MSCI Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msci#NYSE">MSCI</a>), effectively driving up demand for this stock.
As of August 2024, analysts at Needham &amp; Co. initiated coverage on Hims &amp; Hers stock, placing a &quot;Buy&quot; rating alongside a price target of up to $24 a share. This new call implies a direct upside of 28.3% from where the stock sits today, another reason to consider the validity of this new options trade surge.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/top-3-stocks-with-explosive-call-option-activity-what-to-watch/">Top 3 Stocks with Explosive Call Option Activity: What to Watch</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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Top 3 Stocks with Explosive Call Option Activity: What to Watch

The shortage of drugs like Novo Nordisk A/S' (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) Ozempic, Wegovy, and Eli Lilly And Co's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Mounjaro and Zepbound have fueled an illicit market of counterfeit and diverted weight loss drugs, revealing an international issue that poses significant health risks.
Last week, the FDA determined the shortage of&nbsp;Eli Lilly tirzepatide injection, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medication, has been resolved.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41275991/eli-lilly-issues-cease-and-desist-letters-to-compounders-over-weight-loss-drug-copies-as-shortage" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly Issues Cease-And-Desist Letters to Compounders Over Weight-Loss Drug Copies As Shortage Resolves</a>.
A recent investigation by CNBC unveiled illegal sales and drug diversion, where medications produced for foreign markets are unlawfully shipped to the U.S.
Counterfeit drugs, disguised as popular weight loss medications, have emerged as a growing problem, targeting those seeking affordable alternatives.
CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/09/ozempic-underworld-black-market-obesity-drugs.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchased</a> what appeared to be Novo Nordisk's Ozempic from a company called Laver Beauty for a fraction of its U.S. list price.
The drug, shipped from China, arrived without proper refrigeration, raising concerns about its safety. Novo Nordisk confirmed that the product was a "diverted legitimate product" intended for the Chinese market, making it unauthorized for use in the U.S.
The company emphasized that the product's sterility could not be verified, potentially increasing patients' risk of infection.
Eli Lilly echoed similar concerns about counterfeit medications infiltrating the market.
Authorities in the U.K. have faced a surge in counterfeit weight loss drugs, with hundreds of Ozempic pens seized. Criminals exploit the high demand for these drugs by repurposing counterfeit insulin pens and labeling them as popular GLP-1 treatments.
Andy Morling, from the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, noted that criminals often step in when supply and demand imbalances occur, making these drugs a prime target for counterfeiting.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been actively intercepting counterfeit and diverted drugs at key entry points.
Sal Ingrassia, a CBP port director, stated that weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are frequently seized at ports of entry. Despite aggressive enforcement, many of these fake drugs make their way to U.S. customers, often ordered online or through social media platforms.
CBP seizures of weight loss medications are expected to double this year, highlighting the escalating threat.
In response, pharmaceutical companies are working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity firms like BrandShield to shut down illegal websites and social media accounts selling counterfeit drugs.
While pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly continue to innovate with treatments like retatrutide, criminals have already begun selling fake versions of the drug, which is still in clinical trials.
Price Action: NVO stock is up 2.16% at $120.07, and LLY stock is up 1.53% at $924.65&nbsp;at the last check Friday.
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Criminal Networks Cash In On Demand For Weight Loss Drugs, Authorities Say

<a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Eli-Lilly-obesity-drug-on-track-for-Japan-approval-next-year-CEO" title="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Eli-Lilly-obesity-drug-on-track-for-Japan-approval-next-year-CEO">https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Pharmaceuticals/Eli-Lilly-obesity-drug-on-track-for-Japan-approval-next-year-CEO</a>

'Eli Lilly Obesity Drug On Track For Japan Approval Next Year: CEO' - Nikkei

Skye Bioscience (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/skye#NASDAQ">SKYE</a>) is a micro-cap pharmaceutical company that is striving to become the next big thing in the weight loss drug space. The massive success of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist drugs sold by Eli Lilly (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk&nbsp;has prompted Wall Street analysts to place high expectations on Skye Bioscience.
Currently, Skye&#39;s average price target sits at over $18 per share. With shares trading at under $4 right now, this target implies that Skye&#39;s shares could rise north of 350%. I&#39;ll dive into the specifics of the medicine Skye is working on, as well as the obstacles between the company and reaching these lofty expectations.
<h2>Nimacimab: A Better Weight Loss Treatment?</h2>
Skye isn&#39;t working on a GLP-1 agonist drug. Its main drug is nimacimab, which acts as a peripheral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) inhibitor. The drug is currently in Phase 2 of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trials.
Reading through Skye&#39;s documents, I identified three main potential benefits of its drug. First, it works through a distinct mechanism compared to GLP-1 agonists. This means that it could be used in combination with GLP-1s to possibly enhance weight loss or simply offer an alternative to these drugs.
Second, and one reason why someone might choose a CB1 drug for weight loss is the potential for the drug not to come with the same negative side effects as GLP-1s. GLP-1s have been found to have gastrointestinal adverse effects on patients. These include nausea, vomiting, and other effects. Between 40% and 70% of patients develop these symptoms; however, some research has found it to be up to 85% of patients.
These side effects tend to go away quickly; however, they may be a large reason why many people stop taking the drugs. Somewhere between 33% and 66% of people stop treatment within the first year. This gives significant credence to the idea that Skye&#39;s medicine could become highly popular if it significantly reduces these negative side effects.
The last reason relates to the history of CB1 inhibitors. Back in 2006, the CB1 drug Accomplia was approved in the European Union to treat obesity. However, the drug crashed and burned due to the serious side effects, including depression and suicidal ideation.
Researchers believe this is because the drug entered the brain. The &quot;peripheral&quot; classification of Skye&#39;s drug means it is designed not to enter the brain and only affect peripheral body tissue. Through this, Skye believes that its drug can mitigate these negative psychiatric effects.
<h2>Comparing Skye&#39;s and Novo Nordisk&#39;s CB1 Trial Results</h2>
Thus far, nimacimab has had some promising results regarding side effects. The Phase 1 trial for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease found that less than 5% of patients had gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, researchers did not observe any adverse psychiatric effects. The company plans to release interim Phase 2 data for the treatment of obesity in Q2 2025 and final data in Q4 2025. Data will show the effects of the drug on its own as well as in conjunction with Wegovy.
Recently, Novo released Phase 2 results for its CB1 drug monlunabant. Researchers found the drug had &quot;mild to moderate neuropsychiatric side effects.&quot; However, it did achieve 6.4% weight loss after 16 weeks.
Skye sees this news as positive. It supports that CB1 drugs can induce weight loss. But it also shows why Skye&#39;s drug could be better at reducing its harmful psychiatric effects. This is because monlunabant is not a peripheral CB1 inhibitor. So, the drug does enter the brain, purportedly causing the psychiatric effects.
<h2>Nimacimab&#39;s Potential Drawbacks and What to Watch For</h2>
The main potential drawback of nimacimab is it may be less effective in treating weight loss. It appears that Skye is only targeting 8% weight loss after 26 weeks with just nimacimab. This would be significantly less weight loss than tirzepatide, Eli Lilly&#39;s GLP-1 over that period. Depending on the dose, tirzepatide showed between around 12% and 16% weight loss after that period. A much lower percentage of weight loss could hurt nimacimab&#39;s potential sales.
Due to this, the results that look at its weight loss when combined with Wegovy may be more interesting, especially if they are significantly able to reduce gastrointestinal adverse events. These results should have huge implications for Skye&#39;s stock price; however, betting on them is a risky proposition. After all, only 12% of drugs that enter FDA trials ever get approved.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/dont-sleep-on-skye-biosciencethis-weight-loss-drug-could-soar/">Don&#39;t Sleep on Skye Bioscience&mdash;This Weight Loss Drug Could Soar</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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Don't Sleep on Skye Bioscience—This Weight Loss Drug Could Soar

United States Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission&#8217;s chair, Lina Khan, urging to investigate Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) proposed $16.5 billion acquisition of contract development and manufacturing organization Catalent Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTLT#NYSE">CTLT</a>) thoroughly, amid growing concerns about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36931734/ozempic-maker-strikes-11b-deal-with-catalent-as-it-rushes-to-meet-massive-weight-loss-drug-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential antitrust violations</a>.
Critics argue that this merger could increase Novo Nordisk&#8217;s control over producing vital GLP-1 receptor agonists, drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. This could potentially drive up prices and limit competition.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41184148/novo-nordiskastrazenecas-manufacturing-partner-thermo-fisher-questioned-over-manufacturing-lapses" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk/AstraZeneca&#8217;s Manufacturing Partner Thermo Fisher Questioned Over Manufacturing Lapses</a>.
Novo Nordisk already has a dominant 55% share of the booming GLP-1 market due to the success of its blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy.
Catalent plays a key role in filling and packaging Novo Nordisk&#8217;s GLP-1 products, but it also works with Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), Novo Nordisk&#8217;s main competitor in the GLP-1 market, primarily through its tirzepatide-based drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The concern is that if Novo Nordisk acquires Catalent, it could gain unprecedented access to Eli Lilly&#8217;s production capacity, potentially allowing it to prioritize its drugs over its competitors.
The letter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.warren.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/catalent1.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">highlights</a> that Novo Nordisk has faced scrutiny from the FTC. Earlier this year, the FTC warned Novo Nordisk for improperly listing patents related to its diabetes drugs in the FDA&#8217;s Orange Book.
This behavior, combined with the company&#8217;s current plans to acquire Catalent, raises concerns about Novo Nordisk&#8217;s ability to further hinder competition.
Over recent decades, the consolidation of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry has led to fewer dominant firms and higher drug prices. From 1995 to 2015, major pharmaceutical companies dropped from 60 to just 10, as large corporations increasingly controlled healthcare services, from insurance to pharmacies.
Novo Nordisk&#8217;s proposed acquisition of Catalent is considered part of this broader trend of vertical integration.
While Novo Nordisk claims it prioritizes patient access to diabetes medications, critics argue its actions suggest otherwise. The company recently discontinued Levemir, a long-acting insulin, the only option approved for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39801282/senate-to-review-novo-nordisks-levemir-insulin-discontinuation" rel="noreferrer noopener">use during pregnancy</a>.
Although Novo Nordisk cited unfavorable formulary placement as the reason, the decision is seen as a way to reallocate production resources to its more profitable GLP-1 drugs.
Price Action: At last check Thursday, NVO stock was up 0.46% at $117.54, and CTLT stock was down 0.53% at $60.64.
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FTC Faces Pressure to Block Novo Nordisk-Catalent Merger Over Antitrust Fears

Eli Lilly And Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) is ramping up its legal campaign against the compounding companies temporarily allowed to make and sell copycat versions of its blockbuster drugs for weight loss until a U.S. shortage.
Last week, the FDA determined the shortage of&nbsp;Eli Lilly tirzepatide injection, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medication, has been resolved.
The U.S. health regulator&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize" rel="noreferrer noopener">reminded</a> compounders of the legal restrictions on making copies of FDA-approved drugs. The update has sparked concern among medical professionals, patients, and drug compounding facilities.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41208078/regeneron-chief-flags-health-risks-with-popular-weight-loss-medications-like-ozempic-says-company" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regeneron Chief Flags Health Risks with Popular Weight-Loss Medications Like Ozempic, Says Company Targets Muscle Preservation For Its Obesity Drugs</a>.
Tirzepatide injection, branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound, has been in shortage since 2022 due to increased demand, allowing compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to produce the drug and meet patient demand.
The compounding groups Outsourcing Facilities Association and FarmaKeio Custom Compounding <a target="_blank" href="https://www.503bs.org/_files/ugd/90544a_956a40069f7c4b768199e187953cd15f.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed</a> a complaint alleging that removing the drug from the shortage list is based solely on the manufacturer&#8217;s production capabilities.
The FDA&#8217;s decision to withdraw the drug without prior notice or public consultation has been criticized for depriving patients of essential care, potentially driving up drug prices, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41232660/fda-sparks-controversy-with-sudden-removal-of-eli-lillys-weight-loss-drug-from-shortage-list" rel="noreferrer noopener">favoring special interests</a>.
The Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-10/lilly-fires-warning-shot-at-copycat-drug-makers-after-shortage?srnd=homepage-asia" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> adds that the U.S. pharmaceutical giant has issued hundreds of cease-and-desist letters to telehealth companies, compounding pharmacies, and medical spas, demanding they halt the production, sale, and promotion of products that imitate its drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The industry estimates that compounded versions of drugs from Lilly and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) may be generating up to $1 billion in annual sales, with hundreds of thousands of Americans using them. However, compounded drugs have certain risks, as they aren&#8217;t subject to regulatory review for safety and efficacy like brand-name or generic medications.
Despite these concerns, compounded drugs provide an alternative for patients facing shortages of weight-loss medications and are often a more affordable option, costing significantly less than the over $1,000 monthly price tag of brand-name injections.
The trade group has urged pharmacies to &#8220;immediately stop preparing and dispensing compounded versions of Mounjaro and Zepbound.&#8221; While some have complied, others insist they will keep producing customized versions of Lilly&#8217;s drugs for specific patients.
U.S. regulations permit compounders to create tailored versions of medications when prescribed for medical necessity.
Price Action: LLY stock is down 0.77% at $912.67 at last check Thursday.
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Eli Lilly Issues Cease-And-Desist Letters to Compounders Over Weight-Loss Drug Copies As Shortage Resolves

Companies to extend collaboration on DACRAs with an additional collaboration molecule and investigation of the DACRA platform within multiple indications
LUGANO, Switzerland, Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;KeyBioscience and Eli Lilly and Company have agreed to extend their collaboration on the development of Dual Amylin Calcitonin Receptor Agonists (DACRA), a new class of potential treatments for obesity and related disorders.
This collaboration extends Lilly's rights to KeyBioscience's DACRA platform, including a new molecule that is anticipated to enter a Phase 2 study in people with obesity and osteoarthritis (OA) later this year. KeyBioscience will conduct and complete this study which is planning to enroll 600 people and have dual primary endpoints on body weight and alleviation of OA pain. &nbsp;
Under the terms of the extended agreement, Lilly will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize DACRA molecules. In exchange for these rights, KeyBioscience will receive an initial payment; downstream consideration totaling up to USD 1.4B, subject to the achievement of certain development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones; and tiered mid-single digits to low double-digits royalties on net sales.
"DACRAs have been shown to be potent weight loss agents with potential for additional insulin sensitization. We are extremely excited to move forward with the clinical program, as this class in other Phase 2 trials has shown significant weight loss in people with obesity and clinically meaningful improvement of glycaemic control," said Morten Karsdal, CEO of the parent company of KeyBioscience. "We believe this is a very competitive molecule with very high potency and low immunogenicity risk and look forward to collaborating further with Lilly to advance this important work."
Ruth Gimeno, Group Vice President, Diabetes, Obesity &amp; Cardiometabolic Research at Lilly commented; "Dual amylin-calcitonin receptor agonists are an emerging new class of obesity therapies with potential benefits in additional indications. We welcome the expanded collaboration with KeyBioscience and are excited to explore the potential of Key's DACRA molecules in the clinic."
More than a billion people worldwide struggle with obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While treatment options are evolving, a significant gap remains, particularly in addressing obesity-related complications like OA. OA affects more than 600 million people worldwide, according to WHO, and a considerable proportion of these are with obesity. OA causes debilitating joint pain and limits mobility. Studies confirm that weight loss improves these symptoms. DACRAs, a potential new therapy, may offer a two-pronged approach: promoting weight loss and directly targeting molecular pathways that drive OA progression.

KeyBioscience Announces Extension Of Strategic Collaboration With Lilly On DACRA With An Additional Collaboration Molecule And Investigation Of The DACRA Platform Within Multiple Indications

Truist Securities analyst Srikripa Devarakonda maintains Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $1000 to $1033.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Eli Lilly, Raises Price Target to $1033

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), has released a Request for Information (RFI) regarding a new initiative to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients.
The Medicare $2 Drug List Model, developed under President Biden&#8217;s Executive Order 14087, seeks to offer certain generic drugs for a fixed copayment of no more than $2 per month.
This initiative targets commonly prescribed drugs for conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/08/40534249/novo-nordisks-ozempic-might-be-among-2027-medicare-price-negotiation-targets" rel="noreferrer noopener">Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Ozempic Might Be Among 2027 Medicare Price Negotiation Targets</a>.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) has designed the Medicare $2 Drug List Model to test whether simplifying access to affordable, clinically important generics will improve health outcomes, improve medication adherence, and boost overall satisfaction with the Medicare Part D program.
These drugs, which would not be subject to typical utilization management requirements, could be available at all participating pharmacies as early as January 2027.
The initial list of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-takes-next-step-proposed-model-lower-prescription-drug-costs-people" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a> for the $2 Drug List Model has been carefully developed through a rigorous process. It incorporates input from physicians, pharmacists, and health policy experts to ensure that the selected medications address common conditions for Medicare recipients.
The concept of a fixed-cost drug list is not new, with many retail pharmacies already offering generic medications at low, standardized prices.
However, the Medicare $2 Drug List Model will be tailored specifically to Medicare recipients.
Last week,&nbsp;the HHS released final guidance for the second &nbsp;Medicare Drug Price <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">Negotiation Program cycle</a>.
This initiative&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-releases-final-guidance-second-cycle-historic-medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program" rel="noreferrer noopener">aims</a> to provide lower drug prices starting in 2026 and 2027.
The first round of negotiations focused on ten specific drugs. When the new prices take effect in 2026, Medicare recipients should save approximately $1.5 billion in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41166018/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-gets-final-guidance-for-second-cycle-1-5b-savings-expecte" rel="noreferrer noopener">out-of-pocket costs</a>.
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Image via Shutterstock

BMRN

GILD

REGN

VRTX

Biden Administration Unveils Plan To Provide Generic Drugs for $2 to Medicare Recipients

In September, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against three major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Health Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) Caremark,&nbsp;Cigna Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>)&nbsp;Express Scripts, and&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)&nbsp;Optum—for allegedly engaging in unfair and anti-competitive practices that have inflated the list&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40964870/us-federal-trade-commission-sues-cvs-health-cigna-unitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-for-infl" rel="noreferrer noopener">price of insulin medications</a>.
The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/ftc-sues-prescription-drug-middlemen-artificially-inflating-insulin-drug-prices" rel="noreferrer noopener">complaint</a> accuses the PBMs of creating a system that benefits them financially by prioritizing drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin. These PBMs, referred to as the Big Three, administer around 80% of prescriptions in the U.S.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39695378/ftc-investigation-uncovers-anti-competitive-practices-by-handful-of-pharmacy-benefit-managers-includ" rel="noreferrer noopener">FTC Investigation Uncovers Anti-Competitive Practices By Handful Of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Including CVS Health, UnitedHealth</a>.
CVS Health and UnitedHealth Group have requested that U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan and Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya recuse themselves from an ongoing FTC lawsuit.
The companies, in motions shared with Reuters following their Tuesday filing in the FTC&#8217;s internal court, argued that Khan, Slaughter, and Bedoya have shown bias against pharmacy benefit managers and have already formed judgments on their pricing practices.
CVS referenced the commissioners&#8217; 2022 statements, which accused pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) of excluding more affordable generics from coverage plans. The company also noted 2024 congressional testimony where PBMs were labeled &#8220;middlemen&#8221; between drug manufacturers and patients needing medication.
UnitedHealth argued that the commissioners&#8217; involvement in anti-PBM events showed bias against the industry, Reuters reports.
CVS further highlighted claims that volume-based discounts, or rebates, contribute to higher patient costs. It also pointed to FTC Chair Lina Khan&#8217;s appearance at a 2022 National Community Pharmacist Association event, an organization of independent pharmacists critical of PBMs.
Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against several major insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), alleging a conspiracy to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41172976/texas-attorney-general-sues-insulin-manufacturers-and-pharmacy-benefit-managers-over-price-fixing-co" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflate insulin prices</a>.
The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-big-pharma-drug-manufacturers-and-pharmacy-benefit-managers" rel="noreferrer noopener">lawsuit</a> targets pharmaceutical companies such as&nbsp;Eli Lilly&nbsp;And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>)&nbsp;and PBMs, accusing them of engaging in an unlawful scheme to raise insulin prices.
Price Action: At the last check on Wednesday, CVS stock was down 0.51% at $65.56, and UNH stock was 1.17% at $588.36.
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Photo by roberto-sorin for Unsplash

CVS, UnitedHealth Request FTC Chair Recusal Amid Ongoing Pharmacy Benefit Managers Lawsuit

WeightWatchers (WW&nbsp;International) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WW#NASDAQ">WW</a>) stock is trading higher on Wednesday, with a session volume strong at 31.45 million, compared to an average volume of 3.25 million as per data from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/feature/newsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
WeightWatchers stock is trading higher on continued strength after the company announced on Tuesday that it will add compounded <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/10/g41227772/weightwatchers-adds-compounded-glp-1-expanding-accessibility-and-affordability-of-weight-loss-medi" rel="noreferrer noopener">semaglutide to its offering</a>.
Semaglutide is an active ingredient in Novo Nordisk A/S&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) ultra popular Wegovy and Ozempic.
Over the past year, WeightWatchers has called local pharmacies across the country on behalf of members to conduct&nbsp;almost 3 million stock checks for GLP-1 medications&nbsp;and found them&nbsp;in stock just 4.5% of the time. These shortages can result in delays or interruptions of treatment.
Over the last six months,&nbsp;roughly 45%&nbsp;of WeightWatchers Clinic members eligible for and prescribed a GLP-1 by their clinician have been denied coverage by their insurance after three prior authorization requests.
Less than 40% of insurers&nbsp;cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, leaving many individuals living with obesity without crucial financial support. For those with coverage,&nbsp;more than half&nbsp;say their GLP-1 is still difficult to afford.
WeightWatchers clinicians can prescribe compounded semaglutide if they determine that a GLP-1 weight-loss medication is appropriate for a patient.
Eligible members can use their insurance for brand-name medications or choose to self-pay for brand-name medications or compounded semaglutide.
Only patients meeting clinical eligibility requirements will be prescribed a compounded GLP-1; the clinical eligibility requirements for compounded GLP-1s are the same as for brand-name medications.
If prescribed, WeightWatchers members receive their compounded semaglutide within 1-3 business days.
The compounding groups Outsourcing Facilities Association and FarmaKeio Custom Compounding filed&nbsp;a complaint regarding the FDA&#8217;s removal of Eli Lilly And Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Tirzepatide from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41232660/fda-sparks-controversy-with-sudden-removal-of-eli-lillys-weight-loss-drug-from-shortage-list" rel="noreferrer noopener">the shortage list</a>.
The FDA&#8217;s decision to withdraw the drug without prior notice or public consultation has been criticized for depriving patients of essential care, potentially driving up drug prices, and favoring special interests.
Price Action: WW stock is up 50.01% at $1.73 during the premarket session at last check Wednesday.
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Image by Mohammed_Al_Ali via Shutterstock

What's Going With WeightWatchers Stock On Wednesday?

JNBBY

Obesity Drug Coverage Could Boost Spending By $35B Through 2034

Last week, the FDA determined the shortage of&nbsp;Eli Lilly And Co's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) tirzepatide injection, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medication, has been resolved.
The U.S. health regulator&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-policies-compounders-national-glp-1-supply-begins-stabilize" rel="noreferrer noopener">reminded</a> compounders of the legal restrictions on making copies of FDA-approved drugs. The update has sparked concern among medical professionals, patients, and drug compounding facilities.
Tirzepatide injection, branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound, has been in shortage since 2022 due to increased demand, allowing compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities to produce the drug and meet patient demand.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41208078/regeneron-chief-flags-health-risks-with-popular-weight-loss-medications-like-ozempic-says-company" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regeneron Chief Flags Health Risks with Popular Weight-Loss Medications Like Ozempic, Says Company Targets Muscle Preservation For Its Obesity Drugs</a>.
The compounding groups Outsourcing Facilities Association and FarmaKeio Custom Compounding have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.503bs.org/_files/ugd/90544a_956a40069f7c4b768199e187953cd15f.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed</a> a complaint alleging that removing the drug from the shortage list is based solely on the manufacturer's production capabilities.
The FDA's decision to withdraw the drug without prior notice or public consultation has been criticized for depriving patients of essential care, potentially driving up drug prices, and favoring special interests.
Drug compounding is a legal process under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), allowing tailored treatments for patients, especially when a medication is in short supply.
Critics argue that this move disregards evidence of continued supply disruptions. While the FDA acknowledged ongoing "intermittent localized supply disruptions," the agency proceeded with its decision, which was described as arbitrary and violated established procedures.
The FDA's failure to follow the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) has also drawn attention. The APA mandates that agencies provide notice, solicit comments, and address concerns transparently when implementing substantive rules that affect legal rights and duties.
In this instance, the FDA bypassed these steps, posting the decision on its website without a proper public rulemaking process.
Truist's consumer survey reveals that approximately 10% of consumers currently use compounded GLP-1 medications, while 14% are on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41190700/hims-hers-health-asserts-demand-for-its-compounded-weight-loss-offering-to-continue" rel="noreferrer noopener">branded versions</a>.
Provider of compounded drugs, Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) asserts that demand for its weight loss service could remain strong, even after supply shortages ease, as long as the company operates within compounding regulations and respects branded drug patents.
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Photo by Ciara Kimsey via Shutterstock

FDA Sparks Controversy With Sudden Removal Of Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug From Shortage List

Guidance

Eli Lilly Sees Financial Results For Q3 To Include Acquired IPR&D Representing Charge Of About $3.08 To Both GAAP & Non-GAAP EPS

Eli Lilly's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) short percent of float has risen 5.13% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 6.58 million shares sold short, which is 0.82% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.61 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Eli Lilly Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728393315_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Eli Lilly has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Eli Lilly's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Eli Lilly's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.63%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

(LLY) - Analyzing Eli Lilly's Short Interest

Lilly Sees IPR&D Charges Of About $2.83B On A Pre-Tax Basis

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/11/24</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$41.4K</td>
<td>389</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/11/24</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$25.2K</td>
<td>849</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZTS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$27.6K</td>
<td>4.0K</td>
<td>718</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVCR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$13.00</td>
<td>$27.6K</td>
<td>110</td>
<td>691</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ELV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$30.8K</td>
<td>250</td>
<td>161</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$39.1K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>113</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SAVA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$70.7K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$32.2K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$26.7K</td>
<td>420</td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$40.6K</td>
<td>464</td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on October 11, 2024. Parties traded 901 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.4K, with a price of $46.0 per contract. There were 389 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5520 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HUM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on October 11, 2024. Parties traded 120 contract(s) at a $260.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.2K, with a price of $210.0 per contract. There were 849 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1476 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ZTS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZTS#NYSE">ZTS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 11 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 60 contract(s) at a $190.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.6K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 4070 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 718 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NVCR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVCR#NASDAQ">NVCR</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 11 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 690 contract(s) at a $13.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 63 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.6K, with a price of $40.0 per contract. There were 110 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 691 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ELV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 39 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 16 contract(s) at a $490.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.8K, with a price of $1930.0 per contract. There were 250 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 161 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 466 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 44 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $39.1K, with a price of $890.0 per contract. There were 6607 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 113 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SAVA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVA#NASDAQ">SAVA</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 102 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 68 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $70.7K, with a price of $1040.0 per contract. There were 2682 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 92 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRNA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 466 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 43 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.2K, with a price of $750.0 per contract. There were 1834 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 66 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 347 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.7K, with a price of $535.0 per contract. There were 420 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 59 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 466 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $600.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.6K, with a price of $2030.0 per contract. There were 464 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 51 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Momentum investing is based on the idea that stocks that have risen recently will tend to keep rising and that stocks that have fallen tend to keep falling. In 1993, researchers Narasimhan Jegadeesh and Sheridan Titman at UCLA brought the idea forward.
Momentum investing has held up over the past 10 years. Looking at the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mtum#BATS">MTUM</a>), it&#39;s seen that the fund has outperformed the S&amp;P 500 over that period. The fund has notched a cumulative total return of 251%, versus the 245% total return of the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust.
Below I&#39;ll point out three of my favorite companies that are currently considered momentum stocks.
<h2>Intuitive Surgical: Revolutionizing the Operating Table</h2>
Intuitive Surgical&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/isrg#NASDAQ">ISRG</a>) shares have provided a total return of 66% over the past twelve months, beating out the S&amp;P 500 by 30%. This company stands out due to the incredible products it has built. Its primary product is the da Vinci robot.
This is a remotely controlled robot that assists doctors in performing surgeries. Its main advantage is in reducing the human error involved in surgeries. It eliminates the risk of things like hand tremors in surgeons and can make smaller, more precise cuts than a human. This reduces the invasiveness of surgeries and allows patients to have shorter recovery times.
Even after being around for over 10 years, the company is still seeing very solid revenue growth, coming in at 14% last quarter. The company continues to become more and more profitable. It increased its gross margin by over 150 basis points from last year. Its operating margin rose by nearly 200 basis points. Its operating margin is higher than 91% of companies in the US healthcare sector. Its dominant market position created through its leading technology allows it to maintain and increase these margins.
<h2>The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dell&#39;s Growth Strategy</h2>
Over the past twelve months, Dell&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dell#NYSE">DELL</a>) shares have returned a total of 67%. Unlike Intel (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/intc#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Dell is one of the legacy U.S. tech companies that have been able to successfully navigate the changing landscape. The rise of new technology firms and the advent of artificial intelligence necessitated that these companies shift their business toward the AI and data center vector.
Dell has done exactly that. Dell was traditionally known as a personal computer (PC) company. Now, nearly half its business comes from its Infrastructure Solutions Group. Within this segment, it sells AI-optimized servers to data centers. The company has seen massive growth in the sales of these servers, up 80% in just one quarter. Sales of these servers last quarter topped their combined total sales in Dell&#39;s fiscal 2024.
This rapid expansion is good to see, and the company still has a $3.8 billion backlog in AI server orders it is working to fulfill. Dell could start to look even better if its PC business picks up again. Growth in that business was 0% last quarter. But, it&#39;s possible growth could reignite as people and businesses need to replace aging devices and want PCs that can internally handle GenAI.
<h2>Eli Lilly: Dominating Pharmaceutical Growth</h2>
Eli Lilly (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>) is another healthcare stock with a very strong market position. It&#39;s the world&#39;s largest drug company, with a market cap over $250 billion higher than the next closest company. Its gross and operating margins rank in the top three among the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the US, Canada, and Europe.
The company&#39;s stock has provided a total return of 66% over the past twelve months, and 295% over the past three years. It&#39;s done so largely off the back of its GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss. Mounjaro and Zepbound are leading the charge right now for Lilly. The drugs&#39; sales increased 71% and 140% in just one quarter.
These drugs are driving growth, but Lilly has an edge over its GLP-1 rival, Novo Nordisk (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvo#NYSE">NVO</a>). It is less reliant on its GLP-1 drugs at this point. In the first six months of 2024, these drugs accounted for over 66% of Novo&#39;s sales, compared to just 46% for Lilly. Additionally, Lilly is taking GLP-1 market share from Novo. Mounjaro and Zepbound appear to be significantly more effective in helping patients lose weight compared to Novo&#39;s Ozempic and Wegovy.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/3-momentum-trades-too-good-pass-up/">3 Momentum Trades Too Good Pass Up</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-07/obesity-drugmaker-rivus-said-to-weigh-ipo-as-soon-as-this-year" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-07/obesity-drugmaker-rivus-said-to-weigh-ipo-as-soon-as-this-year">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-07/obesity-drugmaker-rivus-said-to-weigh-ipo-as-soon-as-this-year</a>

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