11 Nov 2025
2h 5m

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, on GLP-1s and the business of pharma

Podcast cover

Cheeky Pint

In this interview, John Collison and Speaker 3 talk with Dave Ricks, the CEO of Eli Lilly, about the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly's history, and the company's future. Ricks discusses Eli Lilly's use of AI in drug discovery, the challenges and costs associated with clinical trials, and the complexities of drug pricing and reimbursement, particularly for preventative medicines like GLP-1s. The conversation explores the shift towards direct-to-consumer sales with Lilly Direct, the impact of Chinese competition on the biotech sector, and the potential for GLP-1s to treat a wide range of conditions beyond diabetes and weight loss. Ricks also shares insights on fostering innovation within a large company and the importance of internal succession planning.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction and AI in Drug Discovery

Part 2: Pricing, Patents, and Healthcare Systems

Part 3: Future of Healthcare and Biotech

Part 4: GLP-1s and Eli Lilly's Strategy

Part 5: Conclusion

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