A powerful obesity medicine is poised to hit the market.
- Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people lose up to 16% of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months.
- The new late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22% of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug.
- Company officials say they will finalize an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management.
- A decision could come later this year.