Obesity Today—February 24, 2026

LucidQuest

14 hours ago

This week’s Obesity update highlights regulatory decisions, late-stage clinical data, lifecycle management strategies, and commercial positioning. Developments this week reflect intensified competition across incretin-based therapies, dose optimization, and evolving market access dynamics.

In this Newsletter

Dive deeper

💉 Lilly: Taltz plus Zepbound Phase 3b topline in psoriasis plus obesity [1] [US • 18 Feb 2026]

https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-taltz-ixekizumab-and-zepbound-tirzepatide-used-together-0
Context: TOGETHER-PsO open-label Phase 3b, adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis plus obesity or overweight (with at least one weight-related comorbidity), 36-week readout.
Key point: Lilly reported the combo (Taltz, ixekizumab + Zepbound, tirzepatide) met the primary and all key secondary endpoints versus Taltz alone (topline), including a composite of complete skin clearance and weight loss (details as reported by Lilly).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🇪🇺 Novo Nordisk: EU clears higher Wegovy maintenance dose option [2] [EU • 17 Feb 2026]

https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916499
Context: European Commission decision, based on CHMP positive opinion dated 12 Dec 2025 (per Novo Nordisk).
Key point: EC approved a 7.2 mg once-weekly maintenance dose option for Wegovy (semaglutide injection) for adults with obesity, administered as three 2.4 mg injections in one sitting (per label pathway described by Novo Nordisk).
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

💰 Dr Reddy’s: signals deep-discount strategy for future Wegovy generic [3] [India • 17 Feb 2026]

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/dr-reddys-aims-launch-generic-obesity-drug-60-discount-2026-02-17/
Context: Executive comments to Reuters, on the sidelines of BioAsia in Hyderabad (per Reuters).
Key point: Dr Reddy’s said a future generic version of Wegovy could be priced 50–60% below the branded product, describing that level as feasible (timing, regulatory path, and launch specifics not detailed in the excerpt).
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.

🧪 Lilly, Peptron: SmartDepot tech-transfer outlook questioned amid orforglipron push [4] [South Korea • 22 Feb 2026]

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2026/02/22/LAMNXSINYRDKTKORCJBIFQKO2A/?outputType=amp
Context: Report discusses Peptron’s SmartDepot evaluation agreement signed Oct 2024, later extended (per outlet), alongside Lilly’s manufacturing and launch preparations for oral orforglipron (per outlet).
Key point: Article claims the tech-transfer outlook for Peptron’s SmartDepot platform is increasingly uncertain as Lilly prioritizes orforglipron and broader obesity launch readiness (deal status and next steps not confirmed in the piece beyond reported filings and commentary).
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🏢 Calibrate: completes pivot to enterprise obesity management [5] [US • 19 Feb 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calibrate-completes-transition-to-enterprise-focused-obesity-management-more-than-doubles-client-roster-302692378.html
Context: Company update on operating model, client mix, and leadership team changes (per Calibrate).
Key point: Calibrate said it completed its transition from direct-to-consumer to enterprise-focused obesity management, now ~90% enterprise, more than doubled its client base versus the prior year, and expects profitability for the first time (per Calibrate).
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.

Why it matters

Obesity care is moving toward combination and comorbidity-first strategies, illustrated by Lilly’s psoriasis plus obesity trial concept (topline) [1].
Higher-dose maintenance options for GLP-1 therapy may reshape escalation patterns in the EU (administration approach explicitly described by Novo Nordisk) [2].
Generic pricing intent, even pre-launch, can reset payer expectations and future contracting dynamics [3].
Manufacturing readiness and launch prioritization for oral incretins can ripple into partner programs and long-acting injectable platform timelines [4].
Employers and health plans remain a major buyer segment for obesity services, pushing vendors toward enterprise models and outcomes reporting [5].

🚀 Accelerate your success. Contact us now

📂 Explore our case studies. See examples of our work.

💡 Read our insights. Learn from our latest reports and analysis

🎬 Watch on YouTube. Subscribe and never miss a video.

🧰 See our full range of services. Discover how we can help you.

📚 View the full Obesity archive on our research hub page

FAQ

What did Lilly report from TOGETHER-PsO, and what was compared?

Lilly reported positive topline results from the open-label Phase 3b TOGETHER-PsO trial, comparing Taltz (ixekizumab) plus Zepbound (tirzepatide) versus Taltz alone in adults with plaque psoriasis plus obesity or overweight. Full 36-week results are expected to be published later, per Lilly. [1]

What exactly did the European Commission approve for Wegovy dosing?

Novo Nordisk said the EC approved a 7.2 mg once-weekly maintenance dose option for Wegovy (semaglutide injection) for adults with obesity, delivered as three 2.4 mg injections taken in one sitting. A 7.2 mg single-dose pen is under EU review, per Novo Nordisk. [2]

How large a discount did Dr Reddy’s describe for a potential Wegovy generic?

Reuters reported Dr Reddy’s leadership discussed pricing a future Wegovy generic 50–60% below the branded product, describing that range as feasible. Reuters did not specify launch timing or regulatory milestones in the excerpt provided here. [3]

What is Peptron’s SmartDepot, and what did the South Korean report imply about the Lilly collaboration?

The outlet describes SmartDepot as a long-acting delivery platform intended to extend peptide half-life. It reported uncertainty around a potential tech transfer with Lilly, framing Lilly’s focus on oral orforglipron as a competing priority (deal outcome not confirmed). [4]

What changed at Calibrate, and who are its buyers now?

Calibrate said it shifted from a direct-to-consumer model to serving employers, health plans, and channel partners, with enterprise representing about 90% of its business. It also cited client growth and a profitability milestone (company-reported). [5]

Entities / Keywords

Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Taltz (ixekizumab), Zepbound (tirzepatide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), orforglipron, TOGETHER-PsO
Novo Nordisk: Wegovy (semaglutide), European Commission, CHMP, EMA
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories: generic semaglutide, Wegovy copycat, BioAsia (Hyderabad)
Peptron: SmartDepot, long-acting drug delivery, tech transfer, technology evaluation agreement
Calibrate: enterprise obesity management, employers, health plans, GLP-1 medications, coaching plus medication management