In a groundbreaking study, Eli Lilly's drug tirzepatide significantly reduced heart failure risks and improved quality of life for adults with heart failure and obesity, according to results from the SUMMIT Phase 3 trial.
Conducted with 731 participants, the trial demonstrated that tirzepatide reduced cardiovascular mortality and worsening heart failure events by 38% over a median follow-up of two years, compared to placebo treatments.
Tirzepatide Cuts Heart Failure Risks and Boosts Health in Obese Patients
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common form of heart failure closely linked to obesity. Participants in the study were randomly assigned tirzepatide or a placebo, alongside their usual heart failure treatments.
By the trial's conclusion, 9.9% of those on tirzepatide experienced cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure events, compared to 15.3% in the placebo group. The drug particularly excelled in reducing hospitalizations for heart failure by 56%.
The study also highlighted the drug's additional benefits. Patients treated with tirzepatide showed significant weight loss, averaging 12% lower body weight than the placebo group, Benzinga said.
They also reported improved heart failure symptoms and physical capabilities, with an average six-minute walking distance improvement of 18.3 meters and enhanced scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, which assesses heart failure symptoms.
These findings are pivotal, as HFpEF often has limited treatment options. Lead investigator Dr. Milton Packer emphasized that obesity exacerbates heart failure, and this trial marks the first to evaluate the effect of a medication specifically targeting HFpEF in obese patients.
Tirzepatide Poised to Redefine Heart Failure Treatment Amid Competitive Market
Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, is already approved under the names Mounjaro and Zepbound for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment, respectively.
According to Pharmaphorum, the new data is expected to support Eli Lilly's efforts to expand its regulatory approvals, potentially allowing tirzepatide to address a broader range of cardiovascular conditions.
The trial's results, presented at the American Heart Association congress and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, put Eli Lilly in direct competition with Novo Nordisk, whose GLP-1 drug semaglutide is also under investigation for heart failure treatment.
However, Novo Nordisk recently delayed its application to the FDA, giving Lilly an edge in this competitive market.
Experts believe the ability to demonstrate cardiovascular risk reduction will improve insurance coverage for GLP-1 drugs, which are often dismissed by insurers when used solely for weight loss.
With tirzepatide showing dual benefits in weight loss and cardiovascular health, it could redefine treatment options for HFpEF patients, offering hope for improved outcomes in a challenging condition.
