People who took Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s weight reduction drug, shed extra kilos than these on Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in a head-to-head scientific trial, Lilly mentioned in a information launch Wednesday.
The examine, which Lilly funded, is the primary randomized, managed scientific trial evaluating the 2 rival weight reduction medication. Previous research have proven Zepbound outperforms Wegovy for weight reduction, nevertheless, these weren’t thought of true comparisons as they relied on trying again at current information.
According to Lilly’s trial outcomes, sufferers who obtained weekly injections of Zepbound misplaced a mean 20.2% of their physique weight, or 50.3 kilos, after 72 weeks, in contrast with a mean of 13.7% physique weight, or 33.1 kilos, for many who obtained Wegovy.
That means, Lilly says, Zepbound supplies 47% extra weight reduction than Wegovy.
Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist and senior medical director for the Population Health Management Office at Duke Health in North Carolina, mentioned that though Zepbound supplied extra weight reduction than Wegovy, each medication are extremely efficient.
“The quantity of weight reduction with each is astounding,” Spratt mentioned.
Wednesday’s outcomes have been introduced in a information launch and haven’t been made out there for peer assessment but. Lilly says it plans to current the outcomes at a medical assembly subsequent 12 months.
Novo Nordisk didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The outcomes have been primarily based on 751 adults throughout the U.S., together with Puerto Rico, who have been randomized to get one of many two highest doses of both Zepbound or Wegovy. People both have been obese or had weight problems.
Eli Lilly mentioned probably the most generally reported unintended effects for each Zepound and Wegovy have been gastrointestinal-related and “usually gentle to average in severity.”
Dr. Christopher McGowan, a gastroenterologist who runs a weight reduction clinic in North Carolina, mentioned the unintended effects for each Zepbound and Wegovy are usually comparable, though his sufferers are likely to say they fare higher on Zepbound.
Side results from the medication can embody gastrointestinal issues, together with stomach ache, nausea and vomiting.
Zepbound incorporates the lively ingredient tirzepatide, the identical drug utilized in Lilly’s diabetes drug Mounjaro. Wegovy incorporates semaglutide, the drug additionally in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic.
Both work in related methods: The GLP-1 medication mimic a hormone that helps cut back meals consumption and urge for food.
However, tirzepatide additionally imitates a second hormone, known as GIP, which, together with lowering urge for food, is believed to enhance how the physique breaks down sugar and fats.
Spratt mentioned she’d prefer to see extra information evaluating the medication to well being outcomes past weight reduction.
Wegovy, for instance, has been proven to cut back the chance of coronary heart illness in people who find themselves obese or have weight problems. Zepbound has been proven to be a potential therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.
“I don’t assume that was the purpose of this trial, however it is going to be essential during which drug to advocate,” Spratt mentioned.
McGowan mentioned weight reduction isn’t the one issue sufferers take into account.
“Most sufferers who search a GLP-1 therapy select whichever they’ll get hold of primarily based on price, availability and insurance coverage protection,” he mentioned. “Very few sufferers will be picky proper now.”