Eli Lilly's (LLY.US) next-generation obesity treatment injection has demonstrated unprecedented weight loss results in clinical trials, reducing patients' body weight by nearly a quarter—potentially making it the most effective weight-loss therapy to date. The late-stage trial evaluated the drug's efficacy in weight reduction and its impact on knee osteoarthritis pain, a common obesity-related complication.
In a statement released Thursday, Eli Lilly reported that patients receiving the highest dose of retatrutide achieved over 23% weight loss within 68 weeks. Additionally, self-reported questionnaires indicated a more than 62% reduction in knee pain among participants. Wall Street had previously projected weight loss results in the 20%–23% range, with at least a 50% improvement in knee pain. The company noted that the trial exceeded market expectations, with some patients discontinuing treatment due to excessive weight loss.
The news drove Eli Lilly's shares up nearly 4% in premarket trading Thursday. Kenneth Custer, President of Lilly’s Cardiometabolic Health division, stated, "We believe retatrutide could become a critical treatment option for patients with significant weight loss needs, particularly those with complications like knee osteoarthritis."
The latest data further solidifies Eli Lilly's dominance in the obesity treatment market, which industry analysts estimate will surpass $100 billion by 2030. While its current blockbuster weight-loss injection, Zepbound (tirzepatide), leads global sales, the company continues advancing next-generation therapies to enhance efficacy, convenience, and tolerability.
**Key Trial Insights** This study is part of Eli Lilly’s broader research on retatrutide, with additional trials planned for obesity-related cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. Data from these studies will be released starting next year.
Retatrutide uniquely combines GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon hormones, offering advantages over existing therapies like tirzepatide. Eli Lilly leads the industry in multi-target gut hormone therapies, which have shown superior weight-loss outcomes.
The 68-week trial enrolled obese patients with knee osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by cartilage degeneration and linked to aging and obesity. Two dose groups (9 mg and 12 mg) were tested. Both doses effectively reduced cardiac risk markers and blood pressure, with some patients experiencing complete pain relief.
However, adverse effects were observed: approximately 18% of high-dose recipients discontinued due to side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Notably, over 20% reported paresthesia (abnormal nerve sensations), though Lilly emphasized these were generally mild and rarely led to treatment cessation.
Patients with a BMI below 35 were more likely to withdraw, some citing excessive weight loss. Chief Scientific Officer Daniel Skovronsky remarked in October, "Not all patients require such potent therapy. Retatrutide may best serve those with very high BMI or complications requiring substantial weight reduction."
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