Mounjaro Shown More Heart-Protective Than Trulicity in Eli Lilly Trial

By Patrick Wingrove

()- Eli Lilly announced on Thursday that its new diabetes medicine, Mounjaro, performed better than Trulicity, its former leading treatment for the condition, in lowering the chances of having a heart attack or stroke in an extensive comparison trial.

According to the pharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, in a study funded by Lilly involving over 13,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and elevated cardiovascular risk, Mounjaro lowered the likelihood of significant negative cardiac incidents by 8% compared to Trulicity.

Patients using Mounjaro had a 16% reduced risk of dying from any cause compared to those on Trulicity, although scientists continue to analyze the information to determine the underlying reasons for this variation.

Mounjaro met the primary objective of the study, demonstrating comparable cardiovascular benefits to Trulicity, according to the company. It additionally provided better glucose management and more significant weight reduction.

Lilly's stock fell by 0.5% during initial trading. In a report, BMO analyst Evan Seigerman mentioned that while the trial outcomes highlighted Mounjaro's advantages, many investors were hoping for definitive evidence of its superior performance.

A Stanford-based cardiologist, Dr. Chad Weldy, mentioned that the latest information could lead him to suggest changing from Trulicity to Mounjaro, particularly for individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes combined with obesity or cardiac problems. However, he highlighted that choices will ultimately depend on factors such as insurance coverage, personal preference, and how well the medication is tolerated.

Mounjaro is the firm's medication for diabetes, which focuses on the GLP-1 protein and is additionally utilized for shedding pounds. Within the United States, the formulation intended for obesity is marketed as Zepbound.

Approved in the U.S. in 2014, Trulicity became a preferred option for reducing cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients after the FDA authorized its use for this purpose in 2020, based on findings indicating a 12% decrease in heart-related dangers.

Previously Lilly's best-selling product, Trulicity reached maximum sales of $7.4 billion in 2022, thanks to an additional cardiovascular approval, as stated by the company. Last year, Mounjaro took over that position with $11.5 billion in revenue, surpassing Trulicity's $5.2 billion.

Kenneth Custer, head of Lilly's cardiometabolic health division, stated that the latest findings reinforce Mounjaro as a more compelling option for patients.

A recent long-term study, lasting almost five years, was the most extensive and prolonged trial conducted so far on tirzepatide—the scientific name for Mounjaro—Lilly stated. According to Custer, the firm intends to present its results to the FDA later this year in hopes of receiving broader approval by 2026.

For over two years, the company and its Danish competitor Novo Nordisk have been striving to demonstrate that their respective GLP-1 medications—already proven effective for weight reduction and managing diabetes—can address additional serious conditions, possibly broadening insurance reimbursement.

Lilly is conducting a comparable research project evaluating Zepbound as a therapy for heart disease among overweight individuals. In March 2024, the FDA authorized Novo's competing medication Wegovy for the treatment of heart disease in obese patients.

Zepbound has demonstrated a reduced likelihood of hospitalization, mortality, and additional negative effects in a previous small-scale trial involving overweight individuals with a typical form of heart failure, even though the FDA has not yet authorized the medication for this specific use.

In diabetes treatment, compared to Novo's Ozempic, Mounjaro has secured over half of the U.S. market share, as reported by IQVIA data provided by an analyst.

Lilly stated that Mounjaro and Trulicity showed comparable safety records during the study, with most adverse effects consisting of minor to moderate gastrointestinal problems that typically improved as the dosage was increased.

GLP-1 medications have been associated with digestive problems, and a higher number of people discontinued Mounjaro because of adverse reactions (13.3%) compared to Trulicity (10.2%).

(Covered by Patrick Wingrove in New York; Edited by Bill Berkrot)