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The US and UK regulators have approved Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug, Zepbound, as a treatment for obesity, leading to a surge in Eli Lilly's shares. The drug, previously known as tirzepatide, is expected to be a strong rival to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in the weight-loss drug market, which is estimated to reach $100 billion by 2026. The approval has sparked a race among pharmaceutical companies to develop anti-obesity drugs, potentially driving supply up and prices down. AstraZeneca has also signed a deal for an oral weight loss drug. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro, sold as Zepbound for obesity, is still seeking approval for its injection pen in the UK. The EU regulator has recommended Mounjaro for weight management. Novo Nordisk is investing over $6 billion to expand its manufacturing facilities in response to the soaring demand for its drugs. Additionally, calls for insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs are growing. The popularity of weight-loss drugs like Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy is skyrocketing in the US. Novo Nordisk is also seeking 'bolt-on' deals for obesity and diabetes drugs.