Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart failure-related complications in patients with obesity, according to late-stage trial data released on Thursday. The findings are expected to bolster the drug's appeal and potentially expand its insurance coverage, as it demonstrates significant health benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
The phase three trial results revealed that patients taking Zepbound were 38% less likely to be hospitalized or die from heart-related issues and were less likely to require increased heart failure medication compared to those who received a placebo. The study followed over 700 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity for a median of two years.
Eli Lilly plans to submit the trial results to U.S. and other global regulatory agencies later this year. The company's shares rose more than 3% in morning trading following the announcement.
The trial demonstrated that Zepbound significantly improved symptoms of heart failure and physical limitations, providing relief from fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise capacity. "This is a significant milestone in the process of dismantling heart failure as a major health issue, particularly for patients with obesity," said Eli Lilly's senior vice president of product development, Jeff Emmick.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction affects nearly 6.7 million adults in the U.S., with about half of these cases linked to obesity. HFpEF occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to a high burden of symptoms and physical limitations that severely impact daily life.
The safety profile of Zepbound remained consistent with previous trials, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, generally mild to moderate in severity.
The pharmaceutical giant's main competitor in the GLP-1 drug market, Novo Nordisk, is also making strides in this area. Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk submitted an application for its weight loss drug Wegovy to be used in treating patients with HFpEF. The FDA has already approved Wegovy for reducing the risk of serious heart complications.
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are exploring the use of their respective drugs in treating other conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and fatty liver disease. GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking gut hormones to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar. However, Zepbound distinguishes itself by targeting both the GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors, whereas Wegovy targets only GLP-1.
The trial results are a step forward in demonstrating the broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs. "The impact from past external shocks has abated, and there has been some progress in moderating risks of persistence in inflation," the Bank of England said in a statement.
Heart failure is a significant health burden, and effective treatments are crucial. Zepbound's potential to reduce hospitalization and improve quality of life for heart failure patients could lead to wider acceptance and use of GLP-1 drugs in medical practice.
The positive results of Zepbound are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, further solidifying the drug's reputation in the medical community.
As Eli Lilly prepares to submit the findings to regulatory agencies, the company is optimistic about the future of Zepbound. The potential for this drug to address multiple health issues could mark a significant advancement in treatment options for patients with heart failure and obesity.
