Lilly's next-gen obesity efforts could tip scales further in its favor, Citi says
** Eli Lilly LLY.N is expected to present mid-stage data next week on eloralintide, its next-generation obesity drug candidate, in combination with its blockbuster weight-loss drug Zepbound, chemically known as tirzepatide
** Citi analysts say the data will be a test of whether eloralintide can extend tirzepatide's efficacy without compromising tolerability or persistence
** Eloralintide belongs to the class of drugs that mimic the pancreatic hormone amylin with the potential of less severe side effects than the popular GLP-1 class of drugs
** Citi says 16 to 18% weight loss would be a "solid readout with over 18% being a clean win to further diversify Lilly's obesity portfolio, expand coverage across patient needs, and provide greater treatment flexibility"
** A 9-milligram dose of eloralintide had helped patients lose about 20.1% or 21.3 kgs in a mid-stage study last year
** Up to last close, LLY up ~7% YTD