1 May 2023 • The "twincretin" tirzepatide has proven successful in SURMOUNT-2, the second pivotal trial for the drug as an antiobesity agent, according to top-line results reported by tirzepatide's manufacturer. Tirzepatide (10 mg once-weekly and 15 mg once-weekly) achieved superior weight loss compared to placebo at 72 weeks of treatment, according to results from SURMOUNT-2. Participants with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes taking tirzepatide lost up to 34.4 lb. (15.6 kg) i.e 15.7% weight loss.

SURMOUNT-2 is the second global phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for chronic weight management. The trial evaluated 938 adult participants with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes. For the efficacy estimand, participants taking tirzepatide achieved average weight reductions of

• 13.4 per cent (29.8 lb. or 13.5 kg) on 10 mg once-weekly
• 15.7 per cent (34.4 lb. or 15.6 kg) on 15 mg once-weekly compared to placebo (3.3%, 7.0 lb. or 3.2 kg).
• Tirzepatide also met all key secondary objectives, which included reduction in HbA1C and other cardiometabolic parameters.
• The most commonly reported adverse events were gastrointestinal-related and generally mild to moderate in severity, usually occurring during the dose-escalation period.
• Lilly will continue to evaluate the SURMOUNT-2 results, which will be presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Sessions and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

The findings pave the way for tirzepatide to likely receive US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a treatment for obesity, perhaps before the end of 2023.

Source: Diabetes Times | Read press release