Eli Lilly have just released the latest results of its clinical trials for Mounjaro which show an unprecedented level of weight loss - average weight loss of 26% over 84 weeks.

The studies, SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4, showed significant weight reduction compared to the placebo, offering new hope for individuals struggling with obesity.

In the SURMOUNT-4 study, participants received tirzepatide during a 36-week lead-in period, followed by a 52-week double-blind treatment period where they were randomized to either continue tirzepatide or switch to placebo. The tirzepatide group achieved a total mean weight loss of 26.0% over 88 weeks, with a 21.1% weight loss during the lead-in period and an additional 6.7% weight loss during the continued treatment period. Dr. Jeff Emmick, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Lilly, expressed his enthusiasm for the results, noting that participants in both studies achieved similar mean weight reduction of approximately 26%. He highlighted that the findings challenge the belief that diet and exercise alone can achieve weight loss goals for individuals with obesity, emphasizing the potential of chronic tirzepatide therapy in managing obesity as a chronic disease.

Moreover, the overall safety profile of tirzepatide in both trials was consistent with previous SURMOUNT and SURPASS trials and other approved incretin-based therapies for obesity and overweight. The most commonly reported adverse events were gastrointestinal-related and generally mild to moderate in severity.

Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro is a once-weekly GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist that activates natural incretin hormones in the brain, responsible for appetite regulation. The drug has shown promise in decreasing food intake and modulating fat utilization. In addition to its role in weight management, tirzepatide is being investigated as a potential treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and morbidity/mortality in obesity (MMO).

The approval of tirzepatide as Mounjaro® by the FDA on May 13, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the fight against obesity. The drug offers a potential breakthrough in weight management for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the new data from SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 extends its application to individuals without diabetes, who are struggling with obesity or overweight and related comorbidities.

 The full results of both the SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 studies will be presented at upcoming conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, providing healthcare professionals with valuable insights into tirzepatide's efficacy and safety. As the obesity epidemic continues to grow, new treatments like tirzepatide offer hope for those seeking effective and sustainable weight loss solutions. With its potential to significantly reduce weight, tirzepatide could prove to be a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals and improving overall health and well-being.