Tirzepatide slashed weight by 20%, leading researchers to call this a new “golden age” for weight-loss therapies.

Currently trailing Eli Lilly and Structure Therapeutics in the oral weight loss space, Novo Nordisk strikes a deal with Septerna to put new discovery-stage programs into play.

In the first head-to-head comparison of leading incretin-based therapies, Eli Lilly’s dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide (Zepbound) delivered significantly greater and sustained weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy) over 72 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight and comorbidities.

Clinical trial participants who took tirzepatide, the drug sold as Zepbound, lost an average of 50 pounds (22.8 kilograms) over 72 weeks, while those who took semaglutide, or Wegovy, lost about 33 pounds (15 kilograms). That's according to the study funded by Lilly, which was published Sunday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Eli Lilly said sales of weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro soared in the first quarter.

Eli Lilly and Company announced on Monday detailed results from SURMOUNT-5, a phase 3b open-label clinical trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist,

In addition to eliciting greater weight loss than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound does not come at the expense of safety, according to newly released comprehensive tolerability data—findings that Leerink analysts say confirm the GLP-1 drug’s edge in the closely watched market race.

Tirzepatide (trade name Zepbound) promoted greater weight loss in individuals with obesity than did semaglutide (trade name Wegovy) in a clinical trial that compared the safety and efficacy of the injectable drugs.

For the 2025 outlook, Novo Nordisk now expects 13-21% revenue increase at constant exchange rates (CER). Operating profit is expected at 16-24% growth. However, this forecast, 3% lower for revenue and 5% lower for operating profit than expected, reflects lower GLP-1 penetration in the US market.

A new federal ruling means that patients will no longer have access to cheaper versions of Eli Lilly weight loss and diabetes drugs from compounding pharmacies.