Competition in Weight Loss Drug Space: Eli Lilly's Obesity Drug Succeeds In Two Late-Stage Studies, Shows About 26% Weight Loss

Eli Lilly And Co LLY announced the results of two phase 3 tirzepatide studies in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, excluding type 2 diabetes. 

SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 met all primary and key secondary objectives for tirzepatide compared to placebo. 

Across SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4, participants on tirzepatide following intensive lifestyle intervention or with continued tirzepatide treatment achieved up to 26.6% mean weight loss for the efficacy estimandi.

The safety profile of tirzepatide in both studies was similar to previously reported SURMOUNT and SURPASS trials and to that of incretin-based therapies approved for treating obesity and overweight. T

The most commonly reported adverse events in both trials were gastrointestinal-related and generally mild to moderate in severity.

In the first study, SURMOUNT-3, Lilly’s drug helped reduce patients an additional 21.1% of weight, on average, after 12 weeks of lifestyle changes, including a low-calorie diet and exercise, compared to placebo, with a total mean weight loss of 26.6% from study entry over 84 weeks.

In the second study, SURMOUNT-4, Lilly’s drug helped patients reduce 21.1% weight, on average, compared to a placebo at the end of 36 weeks lead-in period and an additional 6.7% weight loss during a 52-week continued treatment period, for a total mean weight loss of 26.0% over 88 weeks.

Price Action: LLY shares are up 0.90% at $457.68 on the last check Thursday.