In a breakthrough for the weight-loss drug market, new research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes reveals that Zepbound—a medication for obesity management—may offer greater weight loss benefits for women than men. The drug, which is marketed by Eli Lilly under several brand names including Mounjaro and Zepbound, has already been recognized for its potential to help patients lose significant weight. Now, with a new, more affordable version of Zepbound on the market, it’s sparking renewed attention for its potential impact on weight-loss treatments.
Zepbound’s New Affordable Version
Zepbound, a medication containing tirzepatide, is a type of injectable treatment for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight. Eli Lilly recently announced that it has released a single-dose vial version of Zepbound, which will be sold at nearly half the cost of the existing auto-injector version. For example, the four-week supply of a 2.5-milligram vial will cost $399, while the 5-milligram dose is priced at $549—significantly more affordable compared to the higher prices typically associated with these weight-loss medications.
The new vials are available through LillyDirect, a self-pay pharmacy initiative that allows patients to purchase the medication directly. The company also plans to expand its pricing program to assist individuals who aren’t eligible for insurance-based savings, such as those on Medicare. This move aims to make Zepbound more accessible to a broader range of patients who might otherwise struggle with the drug’s prohibitive costs.
Gender Differences in Weight Loss with Zepbound
In a recent analysis of clinical trials, researchers found that women experienced greater weight loss compared to men when treated with tirzepatide. Women in the study lost an average of 25% of their initial body weight, while men lost around 19%. This difference suggests that women may respond more favorably to the medication, although experts caution that further research is needed to understand why this gender disparity exists.
The data, which was presented on September 12, 2024, at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, was gathered from four clinical trials involving nearly 3,000 women and 1,700 men. While the results are promising, they are still considered preliminary as they have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Researchers are calling for additional studies to investigate the mechanisms that might explain the gender differences in the weight-loss outcomes.
Dr. Luis-Emilio García, lead researcher and associate vice president at Eli Lilly, emphasized that the findings are part of a larger analysis and that the company is committed to further exploring the potential benefits of tirzepatide for both men and women. “More research is needed to understand the mechanism by which females may experience more weight reduction in these trials,” he explained.
How Zepbound Works and How It Differs from Other Weight-Loss Medications
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and enhancing insulin sensitivity. While Zepbound and Mounjaro are both formulations of tirzepatide, Ozempic (another popular weight-loss drug) contains semaglutide, a similar but distinct medication. Although all three are injectable medications designed to aid in weight loss, studies have shown that tirzepatide (found in Zepbound and Mounjaro) may lead to greater weight loss results compared to semaglutide-based treatments like Ozempic.
For those looking to start treatment, it is important to note that Zepbound, in its new vial form, requires administration via syringe rather than the auto-injector used in its previous version. However, many users, including those with diabetes who are accustomed to injecting medications, are expected to find this method easy to use. Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, stated that patients should not face significant challenges in adapting to the syringe-based version of the medication.
What This Means for the Weight-Loss Medication Market
The reduction in Zepbound’s price has significant implications for the weight-loss drug market. Eli Lilly’s pricing move comes as part of a broader strategy to make weight-loss medications more accessible to the public, especially in light of growing concerns about counterfeit medications and unregulated alternatives flooding the market. Counterfeit versions of tirzepatide and semaglutide have become a concern, and Eli Lilly hopes that the release of a more affordable and FDA-approved version of Zepbound will provide consumers with a safer, more reliable option.
Dr. Ali suggests that other pharmaceutical companies may soon follow suit if Zepbound’s price reduction proves successful in boosting sales and improving accessibility. “Anything that will help lower the cost and make it more available for everybody is great,” he said, highlighting the positive impact this could have on patients seeking effective weight-loss solutions.
Getting Zepbound
If you’re considering Zepbound as a treatment option, the first step is to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for your weight-loss journey. Once you have a prescription, you can purchase the medication through LillyDirect or discuss with your doctor whether the auto-injector or syringe vial version would be more suitable for you.
While Zepbound may still be out of reach for some due to cost or availability, the new pricing structure is a significant step in making these life-changing medications more accessible for those who need them. With more data to come on the potential gender-based differences in weight loss and continued efforts to lower costs, Zepbound could play a crucial role in the future of obesity treatment.
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