This medication, also known as tirzepatide, demonstrated significant weight loss potential, with dieters shedding between 40 to 60 pounds in trials.
Eli Lilly has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its new weight-loss drug, Zepbound, a version of the well-known diabetes treatment Mounjaro
Eli Lilly’s Zepbound joins Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy as the latest diabetes drug greenlit for chronic weight management, both administered through weekly injections. The FDA has given the green light for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound to be prescribed to individuals classified as obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those who are overweight with accompanying health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. The agency recommends pairing the drug with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Approximately 100 million adults and 15 million children in the U.S. are considered obese. Zepbound, along with Mounjaro, employs tirzepatide, while Wegovy and Ozempic utilize semaglutide, acting by mimicking post-meal hormones to regulate appetite and satiety.
Participants without diabetes receiving the highest Zepbound dose lost about 18% of their weight, approximately 41 pounds, compared to a placebo
Those with diabetes, who typically face greater challenges in weight loss, achieved a reduction of about 12%, or nearly 27 pounds. Another study revealed that when combined with intensive diet and exercise, the drug led to weight loss of up to 25%, or 60 pounds.
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine expert, noted, “This would be the most highly efficacious drug ever approved for the treatment of obesity.”
While experts celebrated Zepbound’s approval, concerns were raised about accessibility due to potential cost barriers and insurance coverage limitations. Eli Lilly set the list price at about $1,000 per month, mirroring Mounjaro’s cost. The drug is slated for availability in the U.S. by year-end. The dosing strengths for both Zepbound and Mounjaro remain the same.
Individuals like Kelly Burns, who saw significant benefits from tirzepatide, welcome the approval and anticipate exploring insurance coverage options. Burns, who lost nearly 100 pounds using the drug, emphasized its transformative impact on her health and overall well-being.