Lilly's obesity drug gets US and UK approval, all in one day

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late yesterday approved US pharma major Eli Lilly’s (NYSE: LLY) Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, sending the firm’s shares up 3.2% to $619.13.

The indication is for the treatment of patients with body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter (kg/ m2) or greater) or overweight (body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol) for use, in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is already approved under the trade name Mounjaro to be used along with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.