Eli Lilly Refines Pain Pipeline, Discontinues Mid-Stage Programs

Eli Lilly, a leading pharmaceutical company, has made significant changes to its pain medication pipeline, discontinuing two mid-stage assets while continuing to invest in novel pain therapies. These developments come as the company reports record-breaking financial results, driven by its blockbuster weight-loss franchise.

LY3857210 and Mazisotine Discontinued

Lilly has halted development of LY3857210, a P2X7 receptor blocker, for chronic pain indications. The drug, originally licensed from Asahi Kasei Pharma in 2021 for $20 million upfront, had completed a Phase II master protocol study covering chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis pain, and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. However, a Lilly spokesperson stated that the data "did not meet our high internal bar for success."

This decision follows the discontinuation of mazisotine, another mid-stage pain asset, in August. Mazisotine, an oral SSTR4 agonist, had also completed a chronic pain master protocol study focusing on similar indications.

Ongoing Pain Pipeline Investments

Despite these setbacks, Lilly continues to invest in its pain pipeline. In May, the company acquired SiteOne Therapeutics in a deal potentially worth up to $1 billion, gaining access to non-opioid pain drugs. The key asset from this acquisition, STC-004, a Nav1.8 blocker, is currently in Phase I development.

Lilly's pain pipeline also includes a Phase I AT2R blocker and an anti-epiregulin antibody in mid-stage development. Additionally, the company is positioning its oral obesity drug orforglipron for knee osteoarthritis pain, with late-stage studies expected to complete in 2027.

Record-Breaking Financial Results

Lilly's pipeline adjustments were overshadowed by impressive financial results. The company reported that its weight-loss franchise, comprising Mounjaro and Zepbound, has overtaken Merck's cancer drug Keytruda as the world's top-selling pharmaceutical product. In the third quarter, Mounjaro and Zepbound collectively generated $10.1 billion in worldwide sales, compared to Keytruda's $8.1 billion.

Overall, Lilly reported third-quarter revenues of $17.6 billion, highlighting the company's strong market position and the success of its weight-loss drugs in particular.