Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, Zepbound, has shown superior results compared to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, according to new findings from the SURMOUNT-5 phase 3 clinical trial. This study marks the first direct comparison between the two GLP-1 receptor agonists, revealing that Zepbound leads to significantly greater weight loss in adults.
Both Zepbound and Wegovy are designed to help reduce appetite and promote weight loss by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. However, Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, also mimics a second hormone called GIP, which may enhance its ability to regulate food intake.
The trial results revealed that adults using Zepbound experienced an average weight loss of approximately 20% of their body weight over a 1.5-year period, while those on Wegovy lost around 14%. This translates to an average weight loss of 50 pounds for Zepbound users compared to 33 pounds for those taking Wegovy. In addition, Zepbound users were more likely to reach significant weight loss milestones. About 32% of Zepbound users lost at least 25% of their body weight, compared to just 16% of Wegovy users.
Leonard C. Glass, Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at Eli Lilly, emphasized the significance of the trial’s findings, noting that Zepbound is the first FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity treatment. “Zepbound is changing the way millions of people manage this chronic disease,” he said.
The results are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a medical conference in 2025. Eli Lilly’s breakthrough in weight-loss treatment could reshape the landscape of obesity management.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk highlighted the benefits of Wegovy, noting its connection to reducing cardiovascular risks such as heart attack and stroke in people with obesity or heart disease. “As a pioneer in obesity care, we continue to support the use of semaglutide, emphasizing that treating obesity is about more than just weight loss,” the spokesperson said.
The weight-loss drug market continues to grow, with both Zepbound and Wegovy at the forefront of new treatment options, offering hope to millions of people battling obesity.
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