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Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking weight loss drug, Zepbound, has demonstrated significant benefits in patients suffering from a common type of heart failure coupled with obesity, according to results from a comprehensive phase three trial released on Thursday. The study’s positive outcomes suggest that Zepbound not only aids in weight management but also offers substantial cardiovascular benefits, potentially influencing future insurance coverage for these types of treatments.
The trial revealed that patients using Zepbound experienced a 38% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death due to heart complications compared to those on a placebo. Additionally, Zepbound users were less likely to require increased dosages of their heart failure medications. Notably, the drug also enhanced symptoms and physical capabilities related to heart failure, marking a significant breakthrough in the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)—a condition where the heart struggles to supply sufficient blood for the body’s needs.
Eli Lilly plans to present these findings to regulatory bodies in the U.S. and globally starting later this year, with the aim of expanding the approved uses of Zepbound. Following the announcement, Eli Lilly’s shares saw an increase of over 3%.
The company intends to showcase the detailed trial results at an upcoming medical conference and aims for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The most common side effects noted in the trial related to gastrointestinal issues, which were generally mild to moderate.
This development places Eli Lilly in a competitive position against Novo Nordisk, which has already advanced its similar weight loss drug, Wegovy, in the treatment of HFpEF. Earlier this year, the FDA approved Wegovy for reducing the risk of severe heart complications, positioning it as a key player in the market.
Both companies are not only enhancing their portfolios but are also exploring the efficacy of these drugs in other chronic conditions, such as kidney disease and fatty liver disease, potentially broadening the therapeutic applications of GLP-1 receptor drugs. These medications work by simulating hormones that suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar levels, with Zepbound uniquely targeting both the GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors, unlike Wegovy’s singular focus on GLP-1.
