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Eli Lilly’s Weight Loss Drug Zepbound Receives FDA Approval
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The Food and Drug governance approved Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) on December 8, 2023, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. This approval introduces a new, highly effective option to a market already impacted by Novo nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic.
How Zepbound Works
Zepbound is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of these naturally occurring hormones in the body. These hormones regulate appetite and food intake, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Zepbound demonstrates a more potent effect on weight loss compared to drugs that target only one of these receptors.
in clinical trials, patients taking Zepbound at the highest dose (15mg) experienced an average weight loss of 18% over 72 weeks, according to data presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Sessions in June 2023. Eli Lilly press release
Zepbound vs. Wegovy and Ozempic
Zepbound distinguishes itself from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Ozempic (also semaglutide) through its dual-action mechanism. Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Clinical trial data suggests Zepbound leads to greater weight loss than Wegovy.A head-to-head trial showed that Zepbound resulted in an average weight reduction of 15.7 kg, compared to 9.4 kg with Wegovy, after 72 weeks. New England Journal of Medicine
Ozempic is primarily approved for type 2 diabetes,though it is often used off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management, and now so is Zepbound.All three drugs are administered via weekly injection.
Pricing and Availability
Zepbound’s list price is $1,060 per month, before insurance coverage, as announced by Eli lilly on December 11, 2023. Reuters. This pricing is comparable to Wegovy, which also lists at over $1,300 per month. Lilly plans to launch Zepbound in december 2023, with initial supply expected to be limited.
Potential Supply Challenges
Like Wegovy, Zepbound is anticipated to face initial supply constraints. Eli Lilly has acknowledged that demand will likely exceed supply in the early months following launch. the company is investing in manufacturing capacity to address these challenges, but widespread availability is not expected until 2024. STAT News