Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide triumphs in Phase 3 weight loss studies

Eli Lilly and Company has unveiled the results of two Phase 3 tirzepatide studies (SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4) targeting adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities, excluding type 2 diabetes.

Both studies successfully met all primary and key secondary objectives, showcasing the effectiveness of tirzepatide over a placebo. The results saw participants on tirzepatide, after intensive lifestyle intervention or continued tirzepatide treatment, achieve up to 26.6% mean weight loss.

The safety profile of tirzepatide across both studies mirrored the previously reported SURMOUNT and SURPASS trials. It is in line with that of the incretin-based therapies approved for treating obesity and overweight, with the most reported adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related symptoms.

Phase 3 studies confirm efficacy of Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide in weight loss. Photo courtesy of Momoneymoproblemz/Wikimedia Commons.

“Whether taking tirzepatide for 88 weeks in SURMOUNT-4 or taking tirzepatide for 72 weeks following intensive caloric restriction in SURMOUNT-3, participants achieved similar mean weight reduction — about 26%,” explained Jeff Emmick, Senior Vice President, Product Development, Lilly. “The findings from SURMOUNT-3 challenge the notion that patients living with obesity or overweight can achieve their weight loss goals with diet and exercise alone.”

Full results from both the SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4 studies will be presented at upcoming conferences (ObesityWeek and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting, respectively) and are slated to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.