Lilly has introduced a single-dose vial version of Zepbound (tirzepatide) for patients opting to pay out of pocket, available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg dosages.
Zepbound is indicated for adults diagnosed with obesity, as defined by body mass index, or those who are overweight and have associated conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Tirzepatide is also marketed under the name Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.
The medication works by activating intestinal hormone receptors—specifically, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)—which helps to decrease appetite and food consumption.
Patrik Jonsson, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health and Lilly USA, highlighted in a recent statement that a clinical study showed the 5 mg maintenance dose led to an average weight loss of 15% over 72 weeks, making it an effective option for many seeking to manage obesity.
Pricing for a four-week supply of Zepbound is set at $399 for the 2.5 mg vial and $549 for the 5 mg vial, reflecting the company’s savings program for patients without insurance coverage. The self-pay option is facilitated through LillyDirect, allowing those with valid prescriptions to purchase Zepbound.
Zepbound is also offered in multiple other dosages from 2.5 mg to 15 mg in single-dose pens, with weekly subcutaneous injections recommended at 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg.
Since its launch in November 2023 for treating adults with obesity or weight-related health issues, Zepbound has generated $1.76 billion in sales during the first half of 2024.
Recently, Lilly shared findings from the SURMOUNT-1 study, demonstrating that tirzepatide decreased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 94% among adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or who are overweight. Patients receiving the 15 mg dose experienced an average weight loss of 22.9%.
The SURMOUNT-1 trial involved 1,032 adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight, assessing treatment over 176 weeks, followed by a 17-week period without treatment. Results indicated that participants who stopped using tirzepatide began to regain weight, leading to an 88% reduced risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes compared to the placebo group.
The primary analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 study results was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022.
Lilly has also submitted an application for tirzepatide to regulatory bodies in the United States and the EU to treat adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea who are also obese. Data released in June 2024 highlight a 62.8% reduction in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea for patients using tirzepatide. Additionally, a significant portion of participants met the criteria for disease resolution.
Furthering its research, Lilly has produced results from the SUMMIT phase 3 trial, indicating a 38% reduction in heart failure-related outcomes among tirzepatide users compared to placebo.
In the context of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), phase 2 trial results reported disease resolution for some patients and notable improvements in fibrosis after 52 weeks. These findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2024 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
MASH, a more severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects an estimated 30% of adults in the United States and poses a significant risk for liver-related mortality, particularly among individuals with other metabolic health challenges.