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A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that tirzepatide substantially reduces the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

The Phase III study coded SURMOUNT-1 found that among obese or overweight persons with pre-diabetes who suffered from cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea, tirzepatide led to a 94% reduction in risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.

Signifying a major step in the fight against the disease.

Tirzepatide is a unique molecule that activates the body's receptors for GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and is administered as a once-weekly injection.

Both GIP and GLP-1 receptors are found in areas of the human brain crucial for appetite regulation, with tirzepatide working by decreasing calorie intake and subsequently leading to weight loss.

Currently, it is the only approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term.

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In the study, individuals administered with tirzepatide demonstrated approximately 23% sustained weight loss, with 99% remaining diabetes-free at 176 weeks.

"These results underscore the critical role of long-term therapy with effective treatments like tirzepatide to achieve and maintain weight reduction," Jeff Emmick, M.D., senior vice president, product development, Lilly. 

The study, conducted across various centers, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that recruited a total of 1,032 qualifying participants, who remained in the trial for three years.

In key secondary endpoints, the trial demonstrated an association of tirzepatide treatment with improvements in glycemic control, cardiometabolic risk factors (including fasting insulin, blood pressure, and lipids), and health-related quality of life.

"These results are impressive given the degree of sustained weight reduction and decrease in risk of diabetes."

 

Ania Jastreboff, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Yale Obesity Research Center.

Further analysis showed that an estimated 50% of the recorded delay in progression to type 2 diabetes with tirzepatide was associated with medication-induced weight loss, while the other 50% was attributed to other effects of the drug.

A few years ago, the U.S. FDA approved tirzepatide as Mounjaro® for individuals with type 2 diabetes to enhance glycemic control and thereafter, approved the same molecule as Zepbound® for adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition.

In certain international markets outside of the United States, tirzepatide is also marketed as Mounjaro® for individuals who are obese or overweight and who suffer from a comorbid ailment connected to their weight.

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