Eli Lilly's weight loss drug slashes the risk of developing diabetes in long-term trial

Core Insights - Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, Zepbound, significantly reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in obese or overweight adults with pre-diabetes compared to a placebo [1][2] - The long-term study showed that patients experienced sustained weight loss, with those on the highest dose losing an average of 22.9% of their body weight over 176 weeks [1][3] - The drug's safety profile was consistent with previous studies, with common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues [4] Group 1: Clinical Efficacy - The treatment could delay a potential diagnosis for individuals with pre-diabetes, a condition affecting more than one in three Americans [2] - The study involved over 1,000 adults over a 176-week period, making it the longest completed study on tirzepatide to date [3] - Participants who stopped taking the drug during a follow-up period still had an 88% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to a placebo [4] Group 2: Mechanism and Market Context - Zepbound works by mimicking gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which help reduce appetite and regulate blood sugar [4] - The popularity of GLP-1 medications has surged, prompting companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to explore additional clinical uses for their drugs [2] - The results will be submitted for peer review and presented at a medical conference in November [3]