New York, January 22, 2026, 17:37 EST — Trading after the bell.
Eli Lilly and Company shares gained roughly 0.8% in after-hours Thursday, last seen at $1,087.38, up $8.81. During the session, the stock fluctuated between $1,072.46 and $1,095.15.
Investors are once again focusing on a key concern for Lilly: the duration patients remain on its blockbuster weight-loss drugs and the outcomes after discontinuation.
Lilly’s obesity segment drives its growth story, so even minor changes in patient persistence expectations can send revenue forecasts—and its lofty stock valuation—reeling.
A Reuters report on Thursday spotlighted real-world data from analytics firm nference showing many patients who stop GLP-1 drugs—medications that mimic a gut hormone to suppress appetite and lower blood sugar—may not regain lost weight quickly. Of nearly 18,000 patients using Lilly’s tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound), 1,615 stopped treatment; roughly 28% regained weight after six months, while 36% maintained their weight loss and another 36% continued shedding pounds, according to the report. Venky Soundararajan, nference’s Chief Scientific Officer, said “durability is achievable in routine care,” though he cautioned that the observational study has its limits and is pending peer review. Spokespeople for Lilly and rival Novo Nordisk declined to comment specifically. 1
A separate filing revealed Lilly director Juan R. Luciano picked up 15.286 shares at $1,041.29 each via a director deferral plan, not through open-market trades. According to the filing, these stock units will convert to shares once he leaves the company. 2
The durability question works both ways. If more patients can halt treatment without a quick rebound, some investors eye wider adoption. Others fret it might trim the average treatment duration, especially with payers pushing back on costs and fresh competitors entering the scene.
Traders will be on the lookout for clues that demand is moving away from the initial surge of high-intensity users toward a more steady, insurance-driven segment.
Lilly plans to release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 4 and will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. Eastern. Investors will be watching closely for updates on demand, supply, and pricing assumptions for its obesity drug. 3
