Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, tirzepatide, has demonstrated a remarkable 94% reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among prediabetic adults who are overweight or obese, according to new data released by the company. The findings, derived from the longest completed trial of the drug to date, reinforce the long-term benefits of tirzepatide, marketed under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro. This news comes as the pharmaceutical giant continues to capitalize on the booming demand for weight-loss treatments, solidifying its position as the largest drugmaker by market capitalization.
The data, unveiled on Tuesday, stems from the late-stage trial known as SURMOUNT-1, which involved 1,032 adults. Participants in the study who received weekly injections of tirzepatide over a three-year period showed a dramatic reduction in the progression to Type 2 diabetes, compared to those who were given a placebo. Specifically, the trial revealed that patients on tirzepatide experienced an average weight reduction of 22.9%, while those on the placebo only saw a 2.1% decrease.
This trial, which spanned 176 weeks, is the most extensive study conducted on the drug so far. Eli Lilly plans to submit the results for peer review and present them at a medical conference in November. The company's shares rose by 1.6% to $936.25 in premarket trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the drug's potential.
The significance of these findings cannot be overstated, particularly given the widespread prevalence of prediabetes. According to the latest government data, more than one in three Americans have prediabetes, a condition that can often be reversed with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. However, those who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes, making the promise of tirzepatide all the more compelling.
The trial also highlights the broader potential of a new class of obesity and diabetes medications known as GLP-1s. These drugs mimic hormones produced in the gut, such as GLP-1 and GIP, to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar levels. As the popularity of Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro, along with rival products from Novo Nordisk, continues to surge, both companies are actively exploring additional clinical applications for these drugs.
"Obesity is a chronic disease that puts nearly 900 million adults worldwide at an increased risk of other complications such as Type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Jeff Emmick, senior vice president of product development at Eli Lilly. "These data reinforce the potential clinical benefits of long-term therapy for people living with obesity and pre-diabetes."
Despite the promising results, the study did note that patients who discontinued tirzepatide during a 17-week follow-up period began to regain weight and saw an increased progression to diabetes. However, even after stopping the drug, these participants still exhibited an 88% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those on the placebo, underscoring the drug's lasting impact.
The safety profile of tirzepatide remained consistent with previous studies, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting. These side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity, according to the company.
