Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind the weight-loss drug Zepbound, has released new data showcasing the drug’s profound impact on diabetes prevention. The findings suggest that weekly injections of Zepbound reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in adults with prediabetes and obesity or those who were overweight when compared to a placebo.
The announcement comes as new research reveals a nearly 19% increase in Type 2 diabetes cases in the United States from 2012 to 2022, underscoring the need for effective prevention measures.
In the study, patients receiving weekly injections of 15 milligrams of the tirzepatide-based drug saw an average reduction in body weight of 22.9%. In contrast, those on a placebo lost only about 2.1% of their body weight. The results emerged from over three years of study, following previously published 72-week findings in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022.
“Obesity is a chronic disease that affects nearly 900 million adults globally, significantly increasing the risk of developing complications like Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Jeff Emmick, Eli Lilly’s senior vice president of product development. “Tirzepatide not only reduced the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 94%, but it also contributed to sustained weight loss over the three-year period. These findings underscore the potential long-term benefits of this therapy for individuals with obesity and prediabetes.”
A Groundbreaking Approach, But With Caveats
Dr. Jayne Morgan, president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, hailed the results as “very significant,” noting the impressive prevention of diabetes in a high-risk group. “They administered the medication to 1,032 participants over three years and were able to prevent the progression to diabetes by 94% in those with elevated glucose levels but not yet classified as diabetic,” said Morgan.
However, the findings aren’t without complications. Eli Lilly acknowledged that after a 17-week off-treatment follow-up, some participants developed diabetes and regained some of the lost weight, raising questions about the drug’s long-term efficacy after discontinuation. Dr. Morgan suggested that the benefits of Zepbound might require indefinite use, similar to maintenance medications for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or insulin for diabetes.
“As we develop next-generation medications, potentially transitioning from injections to oral formulations, we hope to address some of these concerns. But for now, it looks like these drugs may need to be maintained for life,” she added.
A Promising Future for Diabetes Prevention
Zepbound’s weight-loss effects are achieved through its action on hormone receptors, helping patients shed excess weight and maintain it over time. While the drug shows promise in curbing the diabetes epidemic, it is not without side effects. Eli Lilly cautioned that Zepbound may cause various gastrointestinal issues.
With this promising data, Zepbound presents a potential game-changer in the ongoing fight against Type 2 diabetes. However, long-term reliance on the medication and its associated side effects will require careful consideration from patients and healthcare providers alike.
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