Eli Lilly's GLP-1 outdoes Novo Nordisk's in trial

What they found: The trial of 751 patients found those taking the Lilly drug lost roughly 50 pounds on average after 72 weeks, while those on Wegovy lost roughly 33 pounds.

• Nearly 32% of people taking Zepbound achieved at least 25% body weight loss over that time, compared with 16% of those taking Wegovy, the company said.

Between the lines: The active ingredient in Zepbound, called tirzepatide, targets two gut hormones that can curb hunger while Wegovy's semaglutide targets only one. The combination may enhance the effects of the drug, Lilly has said.

• The Food and Drug Administration approved Lilly's drug for weight loss in the fall of 2023, making it the second in the GLP-1 class to receive the agency's OK as an obesity treatment.
• Zepbound had a list price of $1,060, about 20% less than Wegovy, per Lilly.

• GLP-1s target hormones that can increase insulin sensitivity, delay the time it takes to empty the stomach and curb hunger.

What to watch: Lilly is seeking FDA approval for expanded use of the active ingredient for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure, and is studying whether it can be used for chronic kidney disease.