Tirzepatide Linked to More Weight Loss Than Semaglutide 7.2 mg

Eli Lilly (LLY) reported Phase 2b and Phase 3 trial results for EloraTZP and retatrutide, showing significant weight loss and A1C reductions in obesity and type 2 diabetes patients. The company plans to advance both candidates to later-stage trials and regulatory submissions. These results could expand Lilly's cardiometabolic portfolio and reinforce its growth narrative in obesity treatments.

Eli Lilly's orforglipron met noninferiority criteria for CV outcomes in a phase 3 trial, showing improvements in glycemia and bodyweight. The drug was approved in the US for weight management and is under review for T2D treatment. The trial compared orforglipron to insulin glargine, with 4.2% of patients on orforglipron experiencing major adverse CV events vs 5.0% on glargine. Orforglipron showed superiority in A1c and body weight reduction but not in MACE-3 outcomes.

Eli Lilly's experimental obesity drug, retatrutide, showed significant weight loss in late-stage trials. Lilly plans to seek FDA approval in early 2025. The drug is already being sold online for up to $600 per vial. Cost and side effects are major reasons people stop taking obesity drugs. Insurers and states have reduced coverage, leading drugmakers to sell directly to patients. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford highlights the need for more research on the drug's long-term effects and safety.

Novo Nordisk reported that 88.5% of Wegovy trial participants achieved normal liver fat levels. The analysis of 55 participants showed mean liver fat decreased from 8.8% to 3.1% over 72 weeks. The study pooled 1,919 adults from STEP UP and STEP UP T2D trials, with over 94% at high risk for fatty liver. NVO shares were down 0.46% at $37.73.

Novo Nordisk reported that Wegovy reduced liver fat in adults with obesity without diabetes, per a post hoc analysis of the STEP UP trial. Of 1,919 participants, 1,312 received semaglutide 7.2 mg, 304 received 2.4 mg, and 303 received placebo. Mean liver fat decreased from 8.8% to 3.1% at week 72 for the 7.2 mg group. NVO shares were down 1.10% to $37.49 on the NYSE.

Eli Lilly announced post-hoc analyses of ATTAIN-1 showing Foundayo reduced predicted 10-year risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. At 72 weeks, reductions were 45.0%, 50.0%, and 57.0% for diabetes and 18.0% for cardiovascular disease at different doses. Foundayo is FDA-approved for weight management.