By Mrinalika Roy and Bhanvi Satija

(Reuters) -As obesity drug heavyweights Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk gear up to release results for the third quarter, investors are looking elsewhere: high-stakes price talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Lilly has the edge on Danish rival Novo to weather potential U.S. price cuts on its blockbuster obesity drug Zepbound, backed by stronger trial data, closer ties to the White House and its presence in the direct-to-consumer market to boost sales.

Ozempic maker Novo, meanwhile, is going through boardroom turmoil and racing to bolster its U.S. team.

“The issues that Novo is facing haven’t really changed,” said BMO Capital analyst Evan Seigerman, adding that Novo’s restructuring does not inspire investor confidence. “They’re still facing their intern

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