Zepbound is tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management and for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. It is used with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. U.S. initial approval was in 2023 with major updates through 2025.
Eli Lilly reported positive phase 3b Together-PsO results for Taltz plus Zepbound in adults with plaque psoriasis and obesity or overweight. Separate meeting updates highlighted new oral plaque psoriasis therapies with biologic-like efficacy.
Trump secured agreements with 16 pharmaceutical companies tied to TrumpRx.gov, including most-favoured-nation pricing and direct-to-patient discounts. Several companies disclosed price cuts for obesity, diabetes, insulin and other medicines.
An experimental gut procedure helped a small group of patients maintain up to 80% of weight loss after stopping tirzepatide. A larger trial involving more than 300 people is underway.
Vermont insurers and employers are scaling back GLP-1 coverage as costs rise, leaving some patients without access. The drugs remain in high demand as studies point to benefits beyond weight loss.
A Johns Hopkins study found GLP-1 users face increased dementia risk after a decade, possibly due to longer lifespan. A separate JCI review found GLP-1 drugs show neuroprotective signals in preclinical studies but consistent cognitive benefits in humans remain unproven.
Eli Lilly, AbbVie, Vertex, Gilead Sciences and Pfizer were identified as pharmaceutical stocks to watch, with Abbott Laboratories and McKesson appearing on a separate seven-stock list.
The FDA has announced plans to crack down on active pharmaceutical ingredients used in compounded GLP-1 drugs and warned about the risks of these products. The agency has cited counterfeit products, non-FDA-approved ingredients and more than 1,000 adverse event reports tied to compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide.
GLP-1 drugs discovered accidentally in anglerfish research now treat conditions beyond diabetes including kidney disease, sleep apnea, and addiction. The global diabetes therapeutics market is projected to reach $241.5 billion by 2030, growing at 12.4% annually.
Doctors said Americans starting obesity treatment are showing interest in oral GLP-1 drugs because of lower cost and convenience. Novo’s oral Wegovy and Lilly’s Foundayo are priced below injectable options.
President Trump imposes 100% tariffs on imported branded drugs from companies refusing price cuts or U.S. production moves. Sixteen major pharmaceutical firms have secured tariff exemptions by agreeing to align U.S. prices with other developed nations and invest in domestic manufacturing. The policy aims to reduce prescription drug costs and rebuild domestic pharmaceutical production capacity.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07220473 |
Tirzepatide to Slow Biological Aging |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
