Breakthrough Obesity Medication "Zepbound" Receives FDA Approval

Thursday 23 November 2023 - 13:00

In a groundbreaking development, the new medication "Zepbound" has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), promising to address obesity by reducing weight by approximately 20% within a few months. Developed by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Zepbound is set to be available in U.S. pharmacies by the end of the year.

Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a physician and health policy and systems researcher, provides insights into this revolutionary pharmaceutical product. He emphasizes that Zepbound, based on the compound "Tirzepatide," has demonstrated its efficacy in significant weight reduction over a 17-month treatment period for specific categories of individuals struggling with overweight issues.

"The weight loss achieved by Zepbound, roughly 20%, is a substantial result for a medication and is even comparable to bariatric surgery," notes Dr. Hamdi. However, he cautions that while medications like Zepbound offer hope for individuals dealing with obesity, they are not a cure or a miraculous solution for the complex issues surrounding obesity and overweight conditions.

Dr. Hamdi clarifies that Zepbound is the second commercial name for the "Tirzepatide" molecule developed by Eli Lilly, following the first version named "Mounjaro," primarily designed for diabetes treatment. The Zepbound version, tailored with different packaging and dosages, aims to address obesity and overweight concerns.

It's important to note that Zepbound is not the first of its kind. Another medication, "Wegovy" (containing the "Semaglutide" molecule), has been on the market for several years, reducing weight by approximately 12%. Both molecules, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, act through novel mechanisms for treating type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Hamdi explains that these molecules act on brain receptors, mimicking the action of two digestive hormones produced by the digestive system after a meal. One hormone helps reduce appetite and food intake, while the second enhances the body's breakdown of sugar and fats. Both molecules delay gastric emptying, providing the brain with a feeling of satiety. According to Dr. Hamdi, the superiority of Zepbound lies in its dual targeting of hormones, whereas Semaglutide targets only one.

However, Dr. Hamdi emphasizes the need for caution, particularly regarding potential misuse of the medication for weight loss in individuals without a formal indication. The benefit-risk balance has been studied only for specific indications, such as individuals with severe obesity (BMI over 30) or those with a BMI over 27 with at least one other risk factor, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or type 2 diabetes.

Regarding potential side effects, as with any medication, Zepbound, administered through injections, may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, upper abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, and issues like intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, and gastroparesis. Ongoing studies are exploring additional adverse effects.

On the issue of pricing, Eli Lilly has set the cost of Zepbound at $1,060 per month, slightly lower than its Danish competitor Wegovy, priced at $1,350 per month. Dr. Hamdi acknowledges that competition and the discovery of new molecules may influence pricing but underscores the cost as a significant challenge. Given that the treatment spans several months, there are concerns about maintaining weight loss after the treatment concludes.

Dr. Hamdi also alerts individuals tempted to purchase such medications to be wary of counterfeits. He highlights cases where patients were hospitalized after using counterfeit drugs bought online. With Zepbound entering the market, he anticipates an increase in scams and counterfeits that could pose significant health risks to unsuspecting users. He also emphasizes the health risks associated with the use of these products, even if authentic, without medical advice and documented medical indications.