FDA approves Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management

Eli Lilly/Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound)

The FDA approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, on 8 November 2023. It gave Lilly a direct competitor to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.

• Zepbound is the first FDA-approved dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist; same molecule as Mounjaro (diabetes indication).
• Approved for use with diet and exercise; price ~$1,060 per month at launch.
• Indication: obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related condition (hypertension, diabetes, etc.).
• Tirzepatide's weight-loss efficacy exceeds GLP-1 monotherapies (Wegovy), creating competitive advantage.