Eli Lilly releases more data for new obesity drug, moving toward fast-track approval

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/04/27/ [login to see] /eli-lilly-releases-more-data-for-new-obesity-drug-moving-toward-fast-track-appro
In the summer of 2022, just as the hoopla surrounding the diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy was rising, doctors were surprised to see clinical trial results of a similar medication made by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro for diabetes, showed even higher levels of weight loss: Participants had lost about 21% of their body weight, which was unprecedented.

The drug is already approved as an injectable prescription medicine for people with Type 2 diabetes. Now, the company is seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for tirzepatide for chronic weight management in people who have obesity or are overweight with weight-related conditions, but don't have diabetes.

On Thursday, the company released new data to support its aim of fast-track approval, including topline results from another study, called SURMOUNT-2, which shows weight loss of up to 15.7% among people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. With these new results, the company now has all it needs to complete its submission to the FDA, with the potential for approval by the end of this year.