Core Viewpoint - GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes. Its therapeutic potential has led to the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have gained approval for treating diabetes and obesity since the 2000s [4][6]. Group 1: Understanding GLP-1 - GLP-1 is a peptide hormone consisting of 30 or 31 amino acids, produced in the intestines and certain neurons in the brainstem after food intake [4]. - It enhances insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, and has various regulatory and protective effects [4]. - The half-life of endogenous GLP-1 is approximately 2 minutes due to rapid degradation by DPP-4 and other enzymes, resulting in low plasma levels [6]. Group 2: GLP-1 and Weight Loss - GLP-1 promotes satiety, leading to reduced food and water intake, which is why diabetes patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists often experience weight loss [7]. - It inhibits gastric emptying, gastric acid secretion, and gastric motility, contributing to decreased appetite and reduced postprandial blood sugar fluctuations [7]. Group 3: Market Concerns - The popularity of semaglutide has led to a surge in products claiming to contain "GLP-1 active ingredients," but many of these products lack rigorous quality control and safety evaluations [12][14]. - Some products falsely claim to contain similar compounds or ingredients that are not recognized by regulatory authorities, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety [16].

Core Viewpoint - Tirzepatide shows significant weight loss efficacy and metabolic improvement compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists and other weight loss medications, making it a promising candidate for treating overweight and obesity [2][3]. Group 1: Clinical Effectiveness - The study included 31 randomized controlled trials with over 35,000 patients, demonstrating that Tirzepatide 15mg consistently ranks among the top for weight-related parameters, glycemic control, lipid parameters, and blood pressure [2]. - In the SURMOUNT-5 clinical trial, Tirzepatide achieved an average weight loss of 20.2% over 72 weeks in obese or overweight adults with related comorbidities, significantly outperforming Semaglutide's 13.7% [4]. Group 2: Sales Performance - Eli Lilly reported that Tirzepatide contributed $16.46 billion in revenue, accounting for approximately 36% of total revenue in 2024, with the diabetes version (Mounjaro) surpassing $10 billion in sales for the first time, reaching $11.54 billion, a 124% year-on-year increase [5]. - The weight loss version (Zepbound) generated approximately $4.93 billion in revenue for the year [5]. Group 3: Market Competitive Advantage - Tirzepatide is a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with a unique molecular structure that provides a longer half-life and stronger receptor affinity, allowing for synergistic weight loss and glycemic control [5]. - The drug's dual action enhances metabolic improvement, making it a competitive option in the weight loss medication market [5]. Group 4: Future Development Potential - Eli Lilly has invested over $10 billion in 2024 to enhance production capacity, with expectations of at least a 60% increase in available doses by mid-2025 [8]. - Tirzepatide is also being developed for additional indications, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, which could further boost sales [8].