A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound, dramatically reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 94% in individuals at high risk. This finding highlights the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight loss and diabetes treatment.
The Phase 3 trial, funded by Lilly, involved over 2,500 participants who were overweight or pre-diabetic. Subjects were administered weekly injections of either a placebo or varying doses (5, 10, or 15 mg) of tirzepatide over a 176-week period in a randomized, double-blind experiment.
The results indicated a significant disparity in diabetes diagnosis rates. Only 1.3% of participants receiving tirzepatide developed diabetes by the trial's end, compared to 13.3% in the placebo group. This suggests a substantial and sustained protective effect against the onset of diabetes.
Sustained Benefits and Blood Sugar Control
Notably, the protective benefits of tirzepatide appeared to persist. After just 17 weeks, only 2.4% of those on active tirzepatide were diagnosed with diabetes, indicating that the drug effectively helped participants maintain better blood sugar control.
Comparison to Semaglutide
Similar studies involving semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, suggest that it may offer comparable protective benefits against diabetes. This underscores the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a class in preventing diabetes.
Implications and Accessibility
While these findings are promising, the high cost and limited insurance coverage of these drugs remain a barrier to access for many individuals who could benefit from them. Further research and efforts to improve affordability are needed to fully realize the potential of tirzepatide and similar medications in diabetes prevention.
