Morning Business Report: Medicare obesity coverage drives GLP-1 use as Disney promotions boost park attendance
Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks says 700,000 new seniors have started GLP-1 treatments since Medicare coverage for obesity drugs launched in July.
(LILAMAX)- Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks says 700,000 new seniors have started GLP-1 treatments since Medicare coverage for obesity drugs launched in July.
In an interview with CNBC, Ricks said about 70% of those patients are taking Eli Lilly medications.
The expanded coverage has helped seniors with a high body mass index and preexisting conditions such as hypertension and prediabetes, as well as those who have previously experienced a heart attack or stroke.
Meanwhile, Disney is using discounted tickets and family-focused promotions to attract more visitors to its theme parks as Universal and SeaWorld deal with weaker traffic.
Disneyland introduced a limited-time $59 evening ticket along with resident specials, children’s offers, hotel discounts and free-dining promotions.
At Walt Disney World, Disney has offered a three-day, three-park ticket for $89 per day, or $267 total, excluding Magic Kingdom.
On Wall Street, a rally in technology stocks pushed the Nasdaq to a record close as investors bought artificial intelligence-related shares.
Paramount has also reached a settlement with state attorneys general that clears the way for its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
As part of the agreement, Paramount committed to invest at least $1.5 billion more in U.S. film and television production over the next five years. The company also agreed to provide funding for a workforce-training program for the entertainment industry.
And horror movies continue to perform strongly at the box office.
“Resident Evil” set a franchise record with a $60 million opening weekend. Other horror films, including “Obsession” and “Backrooms,” have also performed well this year.
