Eli Lilly is testing a new experimental drug that may boost weight loss when combined with its existing treatment, Zepbound. Early results show participants lost up to 23% of their body weight.
The drug belongs to a class called amylin, which mimics a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. It works differently from GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound.
In the trial, patients received both treatments together. The combination produced greater weight loss than Zepbound alone.
However, more side effects occurred in the combination group. These included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common with weight-loss drugs.
Lilly is developing the amylin drug to treat both obesity and diabetes. The company aims to offer an alternative for patients who do not respond well to GLP-1 therapies.
Amylin drugs are not yet approved for weight loss. Several companies are racing to bring similar treatments to market.
The findings suggest combination therapy could become a future option. But researchers must balance added benefits against tolerability.
Lilly has not announced when it will seek regulatory approval. Further trials will determine the drug’s safety and effectiveness.
