Source – biopharmadive.com
Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide weight loss drug has demonstrated impressive efficacy in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among obese and overweight adults with prediabetes. The latest findings from a long-term study revealed that the drug reduced the risk by an astounding 94% compared to a placebo. The results were released on Tuesday and have positively impacted Eli Lilly’s stock, which saw a 3% increase.
Significant Weight Loss and Diabetes Risk Reduction
The late-stage trial, which involved more than 1,000 participants over 176 weeks, revealed that those taking the highest weekly dose of tirzepatide experienced an average body weight reduction of 22.9%. In contrast, participants receiving a placebo saw only a 2.1% decrease in body weight. The study also found that after discontinuing the drug for a 17-week period, participants began to regain weight and saw an increase in the progression toward diabetes. Nevertheless, those who had previously taken tirzepatide still had an 88% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to the placebo group.
The results suggest that tirzepatide not only aids in significant weight loss but also offers substantial long-term health benefits, particularly in delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The study, the longest completed on the drug to date, underscores its potential in managing and mitigating the risks associated with prediabetes.
Lilly’s Weight-Loss Shot Zepbound Cuts Diabetes Risk, Study Says
GLP-1 Medications and Their Expanding Roles
Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic hormones produced in the gut that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. The recent findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the broader health benefits of GLP-1 medications. Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide is also being studied for its potential in treating heart failure, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease, reflecting a broader trend in exploring additional clinical applications for these drugs.
Future Plans and Safety Data
Eli Lilly plans to submit the study results to a peer-reviewed journal and present them at an upcoming medical conference in November. The safety profile of tirzepatide remained consistent with previous studies, with the most common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, emphasized the company’s commitment to demonstrating the health benefits of its medications. He noted that while discontinuing the drug leads to some weight regain and an increased risk of diabetes, the treatment provides significant benefits in maintaining healthy body weight and reducing diabetes risk over the long term.
