A recent head-to-head trial comparing Eli Lilly’s Zepbound® (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® (semaglutide) has shown that Zepbound is more effective for weight loss.
In the Lilly-sponsored study involving 751 participants, those treated with Zepbound experienced an average weight loss of 20.2% over 72 weeks, while the Wegovy group achieved a 13.7% reduction, according to Lilly’s report.
The comparative study of these highly sought-after medications reveals, for the first time under identical trial conditions, that Lilly’s dual gut hormone-mimicking drug demonstrates superior weight loss efficacy compared to Wegovy, which operates through a single mechanism of action.
The trial enrolled participants who were either obese or overweight and presented with at least one additional weight-related health complication, such as obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the study excluded individuals with diabetes from participation.
Source: Lilly’s Zepbound Tops Wegovy for Weight Loss in Head-to-head Trial
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist.
Tirzepatide is a single novel molecule that activates the body’s receptors for GIP and GLP-1, which are natural incretin hormones.
GIP is a hormone that may complement the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonism. GIP has been shown to decrease food intake while blunting the metabolic adaptive responses that usually occur with calorie restriction resulting in weight reductions, and when combined with GLP-1 receptor agonism, may result in greater effects on markers of metabolic dysregulation such as body weight, glucose and lipids.
Tirzepatide was approved as Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide) by the FDA on May 13, 2022. The Mounjaro™ trademark is owned and license by Eli Lilly.
It is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A study found during a 72-week trial, participants saw a “substantial and sustained reduction in body weight,” by taking Mounjaro, regardless of the drug dosage.
Trizepatide was approved on November 8, 2023 as Zepbound® (tirzepatide) injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter (kg/ m2) or greater) or overweight (body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol) for use, in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. It increases insulin secretion, which is good for diabetes.
But at higher doses, it acts on centers in the brain and suppresses appetite.
It is important for patients to use this medication in conjunction with lifestyle intervention.
What this medicine does is help patients adhere to a reduced-calorie diet. With obesity, you always need lifestyle changes plus the medicine.
Semaglutide is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater who have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, or in adults with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m². It is NOT indicated for those with Type 1 diabetes.
Wegovy™ is an injectable prescription medication for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
Wegovy™ works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.
In June 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
This under-the-skin injection is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014.
The drug is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater who have at least one weight-related ailment or in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater.
The FDA approval of Wegovy was based on the results of the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) clinical trial program, which included four phase 3a clinical trials involving approximately 4,500 patients.
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