Lilly's Amylin/Tirzepatide Combo Shows Promising Weight Loss Results in Phase I Trial

Eli Lilly has reported impressive early-stage results for its combination therapy of amylin analog eloralintide and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide in overweight or obese patients. The Phase I trial data, set to be presented at the upcoming American Diabetes Association Conference, demonstrate significant weight loss and a favorable tolerability profile.

Trial Results and Tolerability

The 12-week study showed weight loss ranging from 2.6% to 11.3% in treated patients, compared to a 0.2% weight gain in the placebo group. While specific dosing information was not disclosed, the results are being hailed as "top-tier" among early datasets for this new weight loss modality.

Notably, the combination therapy exhibited a promising safety profile. Common treatment-emergent adverse events included loss of appetite, headache, fatigue, and COVID-19, with most rated as mild in severity. Importantly, minimal gastrointestinal effects were reported, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Amylin: A Hot Target in Obesity Treatment

The positive results from Lilly's trial underscore the growing interest in amylin as a target for obesity treatment. Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists, which suppress appetite, amylin analogs are believed to affect satiety, potentially offering a complementary approach to weight management.

Several pharmaceutical companies are actively pursuing amylin-based therapies. Roche recently acquired rights to Zealand Pharma's amylin analog petrelintide for up to $5.3 billion, while AbbVie has invested up to $2.2 billion in Gubra's long-acting amylin analog GUB014295. Other key players in the space include AstraZeneca, Metsera, and Novo Nordisk, with important data readouts expected later this year.

The Road Ahead for Lilly's Eloralintide

Lilly is advancing its amylin program with multiple ongoing studies. Eloralintide is currently being evaluated in two Phase II trials, one of which is expected to complete this month. Additionally, four Phase I studies are underway, exploring the drug both as a monotherapy and in combination with tirzepatide for obesity with or without type II diabetes.

As the obesity treatment landscape continues to evolve, Lilly's early success with the amylin/tirzepatide combination adds to the growing body of evidence supporting multi-modal approaches to weight management. The upcoming American Diabetes Association Conference promises to shed more light on this and other promising developments in the field.