Eli Lilly's Zepbound Outperforms Novo Nordisk Drug in Weight Loss Test

In the competitive landscape of the obesity drug market, Eli Lilly has emerged with compelling new data favoring its drug Zepbound over Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. The preliminary results from a Phase 3b clinical trial reveal that Zepbound achieves notably superior weight loss outcomes. According to the data, participants treated with Zepbound experienced 47% greater relative weight loss compared to those treated with Wegovy.

Zepbound is designed to target and activate two metabolic receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, whereas Wegovy only targets the GLP-1 receptor. Each drug is administered through weekly injections. The trial involved 751 participants from the U.S. and Puerto Rico who were either overweight or obese and had related health conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, though those with type 2 diabetes were excluded. Participants received either Zepbound or Wegovy over a 72-week period, with the principal measure being the percentage change in body weight from the start.

Findings from the trial indicate that individuals in the Zepbound group lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, equating to roughly 22.8 kg (50.3 pounds). In comparison, the Wegovy group lost an average of 13.7% of their body weight, or approximately 15 kg (33.1 pounds). Furthermore, 31.6% of participants on Zepbound achieved at least 25% weight loss, compared to 16.1% in the Wegovy group.

Leonard Glass, Lilly's senior vice president of global medical affairs, noted that this study was conducted to assist healthcare providers and patients in making informed decisions regarding obesity treatment options. The safety profile of Zepbound in this study was consistent with prior tests, with common side effects being gastrointestinal and mostly ranging from mild to moderate.

Zepbound has become a significant product for Lilly, generating over $3 billion in sales in the first nine months of this year. David Risinger, an analyst at Leerink Partners, suggested that these results could bolster Zepbound's market share against Wegovy. However, he also noted that Lilly did not provide a direct comparison of the tolerability of the medications, a factor that might influence treatment choices. Historical data suggest that Zepbound might have better tolerability, with Wegovy associated with higher rates of nausea and vomiting.

Other pharmaceutical companies are also developing drugs targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Viking Therapeutics is in Phase 3 trials with its injectable VK2735 and is also working on an oral version that has shown promise in early-stage testing. Amgen is exploring a different approach with its drug MariTide, which blocks the GIP receptor instead of activating it. Preliminary Phase 2 results indicate MariTide can achieve weight loss comparable to Zepbound, with the potential for less frequent dosing.

Lilly is further expanding its research to include retatrutide, a drug that targets GLP-1, GIP, and a third receptor, glucagon. Results from Phase 2 trials revealed that this triple-target approach led to even greater weight reduction. The ongoing clinical development of retatrutide includes tests for both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In summary, the recent clinical trial results position Eli Lilly’s Zepbound as a strong contender in the obesity drug market, potentially outpacing Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in both efficacy and tolerability. The evolving landscape with new entrants and innovative targets underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of this burgeoning pharmaceutical sector.