In a groundbreaking development, Eli Lilly and Company has announced that its drug, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), significantly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or being overweight. The findings come from the 176-week SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 study, which is the longest completed trial of tirzepatide to date.
"Tirzepatide’s impact on both weight loss and the prevention of type 2 diabetes is unprecedented," said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Product Development at Lilly. "These findings highlight the potential of long-term therapy for individuals with obesity and pre-diabetes, offering a new approach to managing these interlinked conditions."
The study's findings are consistent with the dual action of tirzepatide, which activates the body’s GIP and GLP-1 receptors—key hormones involved in regulating appetite and insulin sensitivity. The drug’s ability to decrease caloric intake and enhance insulin response appears to be central to its effectiveness in reducing diabetes risk.
Despite the impressive outcomes, the study also noted a partial regain in weight and a slight increase in diabetes progression during a 17-week off-treatment period. This highlights the importance of continued therapy for maintaining the drug's benefits.
Key highlights from the study include:
- Risk Reduction: Tirzepatide reduced the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes by an impressive 94% compared to placebo. This result was consistent across different doses of the drug (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg), with the highest dose also leading to a substantial 22.9% average decrease in body weight by the end of the treatment period.
- Study Details: The study involved 1,032 adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight, who were treated over a period of 176 weeks, followed by a 17-week off-treatment period. The results showed that even during the off-treatment period, the risk reduction remained significant at 88% compared to placebo.
- Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which helps regulate appetite and caloric intake, contributing to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. These effects are believed to mediate the reduction in blood glucose levels.
- Safety Profile: The safety and tolerability of tirzepatide were consistent with previous studies, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal-related, such as nausea and diarrhoea. These were generally mild to moderate in severity.
The promising results from the SURMOUNT-1 study suggest that tirzepatide could play a significant role in managing pre-diabetes and preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes, particularly in individuals struggling with obesity. Eli Lilly plans to present detailed results at ObesityWeek 2024 and submit them to a peer-reviewed journal, potentially paving the way for broader clinical use of tirzepatide in weight management and diabetes prevention.
Learn More About Mounjaro®
If you want to learn more about Mounjaro® and how it may benefit you or your patients, contact eMed Healthcare for detailed information and personalised guidance. Reach out to eMed Healthcare at loseweight@emed.com to explore the possibilities of integrating Mounjaro® into your diabetes and weight management plan.
