Eli Lilly sees surging sales in contrast to obesity rival Novo

Drugmaker projected robust sales, solidifying its dominance in the weight-loss drug sector as demand soars and rival Novo Nordisk faces headwinds

Eli Lilly is also waiting for approval of its weight-loss pill, which could come as soon as April.

Eli Lilly provided an upbeat sales forecast for the year on Wednesday as strong demand for its weight-loss drug cemented its position at the top of the obesity market.

The guidance was a sharp contrast to rival Novo Nordisk, which warned investors on Tuesday that its sales could drop as much as 13% this year on intensifying price competition in the weight-loss market. Lilly, on the other hand, expects its sales to grow as much as 27% this year.