Eli Lilly became the world’s most valuable listed healthcare company by market capitalization in 2024.
Eli Lilly’s valuation surged as investors assessed the commercial potential of its diabetes and obesity medicines, especially tirzepatide products marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound. Strong demand and expectations for continued growth pushed the company’s market value above major healthcare rivals during 2024.
The company was founded in Indianapolis in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical chemist and Union veteran. Its long history includes the development and commercialization of medicines in areas such as diabetes, oncology, and neuroscience.
Market-cap leadership can change quickly because it depends on share prices. This record does not mean Eli Lilly was the largest healthcare company by employees, revenue, or physical facilities. It refers specifically to the public market value of its outstanding shares at the relevant time.