A recent three-year study on tirzepatide, a medication marketed in the US as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, conducted by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, has unveiled impressive findings. The research indicates that when administered weekly to adults grappling with prediabetes and obesity or overweight, tirzepatide substantially diminishes the risk of progressing to diabetes by a staggering 94% in comparison to a placebo.
Eli Lilly’s product, Mounjaro, prominently displayed in pharmacy packaging, serves as a testament to the pharmaceutical innovation that is reshaping treatment paradigms. The company disclosed that individuals receiving a 15-milligram dosage of tirzepatide experienced an average weight reduction of nearly 23%, a marked contrast to the modest 2.1% decrease observed in the placebo group.
However, during a subsequent 17-week off-treatment monitoring phase, individuals who discontinued tirzepatide witnessed weight regain, as highlighted in a recent news release by Lilly, accompanied by a notable uptick in the progression towards type 2 diabetes.
In addressing the medication’s safety profile, Lilly underscored that the most commonly reported adverse events were gastrointestinal-related, typically manifesting in mild to moderate intensity. Patients undergoing tirzepatide treatment frequently reported gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that fall short of a diabetes diagnosis, permeates approximately one in three American adults, translating to a staggering 84 million individuals, with approximately 70% projected to transition to diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, notably weight loss, have conventionally served as a cornerstone in managing this metabolic condition.
Tirzepatide operates by mimicking hormones that trigger insulin release, enhance satiety, and suppress appetite, targeting the GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. Belonging to a novel drug class alongside semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss), tirzepatide has witnessed a surge in popularity owing to its efficacy.
Earlier clinical trials have positioned tirzepatide as a frontrunner in terms of average weight loss compared to existing medications. In a significant development, the US Food and Drug Administration granted approval in November for individuals grappling with obesity or classified as overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Administered via weekly self-injections, tirzepatide is recommended in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Eli Lilly has announced that the results from this groundbreaking study will undergo scrutiny in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at ObesityWeek 2024 in November, underscoring the potential of tirzepatide to revolutionize diabetes management and weight loss strategies.
