In a groundbreaking 176-week SURMOUNT-1 Phase 3 study, Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide significantly reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94% in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight. The study, the longest completed trial of tirzepatide to date, also showed sustained weight loss, with participants on the highest dose losing an average of 22.9% of their body weight.
Eli Lilly announced the results of the SURMOUNT-1 trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide over a 176-week treatment period. The trial involved 1,032 adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight, and demonstrated a 94% reduction in the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes for those receiving the highest dose of tirzepatide compared to a placebo. Participants also experienced substantial and sustained weight loss, with those on the 15 mg dose averaging a 22.9% decrease in body weight.
The trial’s results are consistent with the dual-action pharmacology of tirzepatide, which combines GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism to regulate appetite and blood glucose levels. The study’s key secondary endpoints further confirmed significant weight reduction and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes progression among participants.
“Tirzepatide reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94% and resulted in sustained weight loss over the three-year treatment period. These data reinforce the potential clinical benefits of long-term therapy for people living with obesity and pre-diabetes,” said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of product development at Eli Lilly.
Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound® for obesity, is the first approved treatment that targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, making it a unique option for chronic weight management. The SURMOUNT-1 study extends the understanding of tirzepatide’s long-term benefits, building on its initial 72-week results published in 2022.
The results of this trial suggest that tirzepatide could play a pivotal role in preventing type 2 diabetes in a population at high risk due to obesity and pre-diabetes. This could significantly reduce the global burden of diabetes and its associated complications.
While the study highlights the benefits of tirzepatide, it also noted a slight increase in diabetes progression and weight gain after a 17-week off-treatment period, suggesting that continuous use may be necessary to maintain its benefits.
The safety profile of tirzepatide was consistent with previous studies, with most adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
The SURMOUNT-1 study underscores tirzepatide’s potential as a long-term treatment option for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and achieving substantial weight loss in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity. Further research and peer-reviewed publications will provide more insights into its clinical applications.
