Long-term efficacy of Eli Lilly’s obesity drug in the spotlight

New analyses from the SURMOUNT-1 trials shed light on the long-term efficacy of Eli Lilly’s dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), ahead of the European Congress on Obesity.

Dr Luca Busetto, University of Padova, led a study examining how people respond differently to Mounjaro over three years. Women and individuals without obesity-related complications were more likely to experience greater weight loss – an overall average reduction of approximately 31% – and tended to reach a weight-loss plateau later, at around 36 to 48 weeks.

According to Dr Busetto, “Most participants maintained clinically meaningful weight loss over 3 years regardless of age, duration of obesity, and BMI. Even modest weight loss can lead to important health benefits.

“Losing at least 5% of body weight cuts the risk of developing diabetes and meaningfully improves blood pressure and cholesterol. Losing 15% of body weight is the sweet spot at which people tend to reap most health benefits.”

In a separate study led by Professor Louis Aronne, from Weill Cornell Medicine, followed participants who remained adherent to Mounjaro treatment for three years. The results revealed a mean weight loss of 23.1% at the lowest point (nadir), with a modest mean weight regain of 3.7%. Over 70% of participants regained 5% or less from their lowest weight, while fewer than 10% experienced more than 10% weight regain.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recently updated its position on weight-loss medicines, supporting the inclusion of effective obesity treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This shift reflects a growing recognition of pharmacotherapy’s role in addressing Australia’s obesity crisis when guided by robust evidence.

Lilly anticipates submitting Mounjaro for inclusion on the PBS by mid-2026. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk, which faced two rejections for Wegovy (semaglutide) by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), has already resubmitted a new application for evaluation.

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