In a study testing, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound (tirazeptide) showed better results than another drug company, Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Vegovy (semaglutide).

Novo Nordisk also makes the blockbuster anti-diabetic drug Ozempic.

The trial, called SURMOUNT-5, compared Zepbound with Vegovy, a mono GLP-1 receptor agonist (a class of drugs), in adults living with obesity without diabetes.

The results showed that Zepbound produced significantly 47% greater relative weight loss than Wegovi, establishing it as a highly potential option in the fight against obesity.

The study, which followed for 72 weeks, showed that patients on Zepbound achieved an average weight loss of 20.2%, while patients on Wegovi saw a weight loss of 13.7%.

More than 31.6% of Zepbound users lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to 16.1% of Wegovi users.

“Obesity medicines are in the spotlight, and our findings with Zepbound aim to empower patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions,” said Dr. Leonard C. Glass, senior vice president of global medical affairs at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. ”

“Zepbound’s improved outcomes demonstrate its potential as a game-changer for the management of chronic obesity,” he said.

The science behind Zepbound

Zepbound is the first US FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity. These hormones work on appetite regulation, helping patients reduce calorie intake.

The prescription medication is given weekly along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The trial involved 751 participants in the US and Puerto Rico, targeting individuals who were obese or overweight, including those with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, but also those with diabetes. Was not done.

Safety and side effects of Zepbound

The safety profile of Zepbound and Wegovi was comparable, with common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

However, Zepbound warns about possible thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and gall bladder problems.

The results will soon undergo peer-review and be presented at a medical conference, further strengthening Zepbound’s role in obesity management.

While Wegovi has been a popular option, the promising results of Zepbound could change the paradigm in treating this complex condition.

As demand for effective obesity treatments grows, this weight loss drug battle between Zepbound and Wegovi highlights progress in tackling a serious global health challenge.