In the race to revolutionize weight-loss treatments, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound has emerged as a strong contender, outpacing Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in a head-to-head clinical trial. The landmark study revealed that Zepbound led to an average weight loss of 20.2% of body weight after 72 weeks, significantly surpassing Wegovy’s 13.7%. With obesity medications drawing unprecedented attention, the trial results provide crucial insights to help healthcare providers and patients choose the right treatment.
But which option is truly better for long-term weight management? Let’s break down the findings and key differentiators of these two breakthrough drugs.
Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Key Findings from the Clinical Trial
The SURMOUNT-5 trial, conducted by Eli Lilly, directly compared Zepbound and Wegovy in a group of adults living with obesity or overweight, many of whom had weight-related medical conditions. The results highlighted several advantages of Zepbound:
- Superior Weight Loss: Zepbound helped patients achieve 47% more relative weight loss compared to Wegovy. Over 72 weeks, the average weight reduction was 20.2% of body weight with Zepbound versus 13.7% with Wegovy.
- Higher Success Rates: A remarkable 31.6% of participants taking Zepbound lost at least 25% of their body weight, while only 16.1% of those on Wegovy achieved the same milestone.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Zepbound outperformed Wegovy on the trial’s primary endpoint and all five secondary endpoints, solidifying its position as a leader in the category.
Mechanism of Action: How They Work
Both Zepbound and Wegovy belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic hormones that regulate appetite and digestion. However, Zepbound, also known as tirzepatide, takes a dual approach by combining GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism. This dual-action mechanism may explain its enhanced efficacy in promoting weight loss.
- Zepbound: The first FDA-approved medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it uniquely effective for weight reduction.
- Wegovy: A GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as semaglutide, which has been a trailblazer in weight-loss treatments.
Safety Profiles and Side Effects
Both medications demonstrated comparable safety profiles in the trial, with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting being the most commonly reported side effects. These were generally mild to moderate in severity and consistent with previous trials for both drugs.
Unique Advantages of Wegovy
While Zepbound has proven superior in weight-loss efficacy, Wegovy has a unique claim to fame—it’s currently the only obesity medication that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with heart disease. For patients with cardiovascular conditions, this could be a decisive factor in choosing Wegovy over Zepbound.
Supply Challenges Addressed
Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have faced supply chain challenges in meeting the high demand for their obesity medications. However, recent improvements in manufacturing and distribution have eased these issues, allowing more patients access to these groundbreaking treatments.
What This Means for the Obesity Market
The obesity medication market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increasing awareness and demand for effective solutions. The results of this trial position Zepbound as a formidable competitor to Wegovy, offering healthcare providers a compelling new option for patients seeking to manage their weight.
What Do Experts Say?
Dr. Leonard C. Glass of Eli Lilly summarized the significance of the findings:
“Zepbound is in a class of its own, changing how millions of people manage this chronic disease. These results empower healthcare providers and patients with critical data to make informed treatment decisions.”
Which Is Better for You: Zepbound or Wegovy?
Choosing between Zepbound and Wegovy ultimately depends on individual health needs and goals:
- If maximum weight loss is your priority, Zepbound’s superior efficacy makes it the stronger choice.
- If you have existing heart disease and want added cardiovascular benefits, Wegovy’s proven track record in reducing heart attack and stroke risks may tip the scales.
- Both medications have similar side effects, so your choice should involve a discussion with your healthcare provider about what best aligns with your health profile and treatment preferences.
How Zepbound Stands Apart
Dr. Leonard C. Glass, Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, highlighted the implications of the findings:
“We are thrilled that today’s findings showed the superior weight loss of Zepbound, which helped patients achieve 47% more relative weight loss compared to Wegovy.”
Zepbound also demonstrated success across all five key secondary endpoints in the trial. Notably, 31.6% of participants achieved at least 25% body weight loss with Zepbound, compared to 16.1% with Wegovy.
Safety Profile and Accessibility
Both Zepbound and Wegovy share a similar safety profile, with gastrointestinal-related side effects being the most common adverse events. These effects were generally mild to moderate in severity.
The promising results add momentum to Eli Lilly’s efforts to secure its position in the competitive weight-loss drug market, where demand for effective solutions continues to surge. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a medical meeting next year.
Novo Nordisk’s Response
Novo Nordisk, while facing stiffer competition, maintains a key advantage with Wegovy. It remains the only anti-obesity drug currently proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in individuals with heart disease—a crucial distinction for certain patient demographics.
The Road Ahead
As Zepbound’s trial results are published and presented in 2024, they will likely shift the conversation around obesity treatment. For now, the competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk signals a win for patients as these pharmaceutical giants innovate in the fight against obesity.
