In a long-term trial, Eli Lilly's weight loss drug significantly reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes.

• In a long-term study, Eli Lilly's weight loss drug decreased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in obese or overweight adults with pre-diabetes compared to a placebo.
• The three-year trial of tirzepatide showed that patients sustained weight loss.
• The active ingredient in Zepbound, a highly popular weight loss injection, and Mounjaro, a diabetes drug, is tirzepatide.

A long-term study released on Tuesday found that a highly popular weight loss drug reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 94% in obese or overweight adults with pre-diabetes compared to a placebo.

The trial of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, demonstrated sustained weight loss over a three-year treatment period. Patients on the highest weekly dose of the drug experienced an average decrease of 22.9% in body weight after 176 weeks, compared to 2.1% for those who received a placebo.

Eli Lilly's treatment may delay a potential diagnosis for individuals with pre-diabetes or higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that do not meet the criteria for Type 2 diabetes.

According to recent government data, more than one in three Americans have pre-diabetes, which health experts say can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Individuals who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for pre-diabetes.

GLP-1s, a class of medications used to treat obesity and diabetes, have shown potential long-term health benefits, according to new data. Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro, as well as injections from rival companies, have become increasingly popular in recent years, prompting the companies to study other potential uses for their drugs.

"Nearly 900 million adults worldwide are at an increased risk of complications such as Type 2 diabetes due to obesity, according to Dr. Jeff Emmick, senior vice president of product development at Eli Lilly. The data suggest that long-term therapy could provide clinical benefits for people with obesity and pre-diabetes."

The phase three trial of tirzepatide involved more than 1,000 adults over 176 weeks, followed by a 17-week period where patients stopped treatment. This is the longest completed study on the drug to date, according to Eli Lilly.

Eli Lilly will present 72-week weight loss results from a larger group of patients in the SUMOUNT-1 trial at an upcoming medical conference in November.

Those who stopped taking tirzepatide during the 17 weeks regained weight and saw an increase in progression to diabetes, but they still had an 88% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to a placebo, according to the latest phase three results.

During the trial, the safety data for tirzepatide was consistent with previous studies on the drug, and the most common side effects were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting, which were generally mild to moderate in severity, according to Eli Lilly.

Zepbound, a drug developed by Eli Lilly, mimics two naturally occurring gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP.

GIP, in addition to reducing appetite, may also enhance the body's ability to break down sugar and fat.