Eli Lilly’s Weight Loss Drug Shows 94% Diabetes Risk Reduction in Pre-Diabetic Patients

Eli Lilly announced on August 20 that its weight loss drug, tirzepatide, reduced the risk of diabetes in pre-diabetic patients by up to 94%. The drug, tested over three years, also helped patients lose up to 22.9% of their body weight, marking a significant breakthrough in diabetes prevention.

Eli Lilly's Tirzepatide Shows 94% Reduction in Diabetes Risk, Significant Weight Loss in 3-Year Study

Another significant announcement has been made by the pharmaceutical behemoth Eli Lilly regarding its weight loss drug, tirzepatide, which is effective in reducing the risk of diabetes in pre-diabetic patients. The drug manufacturer disclosed in a press release issued on August 20 that the risk of diabetes among pre-diabetic patients was reduced by as much as 94% when various tirzepatide doses were administered every week.

In addition, users who received the maximum dosage could reduce their weight by a quarter. These findings were derived from a three-year investigation that assessed the drug's efficacy with diet management and controlled physical activity.

According to the release, the most recent set of results for tirzepatide is part of a three-year study that Eli Lilly conducted, known as SURMOUNT-1. As part of an extended investigation that commenced after the initial 72-week study, 1,032 pre-diabetic patients were administered 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, or 15 milligrams of the drug for 176 weeks. These participants did not have type 2 diabetes, and the firm assessed the three doses and the placebo as an "adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity." according to the firm.

When compared to the placebo, tirzepatide exhibited a 94% reduction in the risk of patients developing type 2 diabetes by the conclusion of the trial's dosage period at the 176-week mark. The risk reduction persisted at a robust 93% when the randomized treatment requirements were removed.

Lilly's Tirzepatide Achieves 22.9% Weight Loss, but Efficacy Drops After Treatment Break

According to Wccftech, Lilly also disclosed that the trial's secondary objective, which assessed weight loss, was for patients to achieve a weight reduction of up to 22.9%, contingent upon their adherence to randomized therapies, when administered 10 milligrams or 15 milligrams of tirzepatide.

Lilly emphasizes that tirzepatide's efficacy in promoting weight loss and reducing the progression to type 2 diabetes appeared to decrease after 176 weeks, during which the participants had a 17-week break from treatment. The risk of progression to type 2 decreased from 94% to 88% during this period, and patients also began to regain their lost weight.

This suggests that tirzepatide, which is marketed as Mounjaro, may not be a permanent solution for either weight loss or diabetes prevention, and patients may need to take it for an extended period to achieve optimal results.

The firm further stated that these results summarize the complete disclosure scheduled for November. The company asserts that its medication enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity, which assists type 2 diabetic patients control their blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels distinguish type 2 diabetes due to decreased insulin production and increased insulin tolerance.