Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug shows promising results in preventing Type 2 diabetes
Eli Lilly & Co. recently released initial results from a long-term study that showed their weight loss drug, tirzepatide, significantly reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in obese or overweight adults with prediabetes compared to a placebo. The late-stage trial involved the active ingredient in Eli Lilly’s weight loss injection Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro, and it highlighted the sustained weight loss experienced by patients over a three-year treatment period.
The study’s findings are particularly significant considering that more than 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, according to government data. Health experts emphasize that prediabetes can be reversed with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Individuals who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for developing prediabetes, making the results of Eli Lilly’s trial even more impactful.
Dr. Jeff Emmick, senior vice president of product development at Eli Lilly, highlighted the importance of long-term therapy for people with obesity and prediabetes, stating that these data reinforce the potential clinical benefits of such treatments. The study involved more than 1,000 adults over 176 weeks, making it the longest completed study on tirzepatide to date.
The new data also sheds light on the growing interest in GLP-1 medications, which mimic gut hormones to manage appetite and regulate blood sugar. Both Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro, as well as rival Novo Nordisk’s injections, have gained popularity, prompting further research into their clinical applications.
While the latest results are promising, it is essential to note that patients who stopped taking tirzepatide during the trial began to regain weight and saw an increase in diabetes progression. However, they still had an 88% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who received a placebo.
Overall, Eli Lilly’s study highlights the potential of tirzepatide in preventing Type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals, offering hope for those struggling with obesity and prediabetes. The company plans to present these results at an upcoming medical conference in November, further solidifying the drug’s potential impact on public health.
