Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide cuts risk of worsening heart failure in HFpEF, obese patients

Tirzepatide, currently marketed by Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) as Mounjaro and Zepbound for diabetes and weight loss, respectively, reduced the risk of worsening heart failure events by 38% in adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity.

Results from the SUMMIT Phase 3 trial showed a 38% reduction in the risk of heart failure outcomes in patients treated with tirzepatide, compared to placebo. Risk of hospitalization for heart failure was reduced by 56%.

In addition, patients on tirzepatide also saw an average reduction in body weight of 15.7%, compared to 2.2% in the placebo group.

Currently, no treatments are available specifically for obesity-related HFpEF in the U.S.

The multi-center trial used maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly. It is a first-of-its-kind study in patients with obesity-related HFpEF to evaluate both reduction in risk of heart failure events and improvements in function as primary endpoints.

Both primary endpoints were met. In addition, patients on tirzepatide experienced improved exercise capacity, greater weight loss and reduced systemic inflammation.

Eli Lilly (LLY) has initiated submissions for tirzepatide for the treatment of HFpEF and obesity to global regulatory agencies.