All articles tagged with #zepbound
Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are increasing over allegations that GLP-1 drugs cause NAION, a rare condition leading to permanent vision loss. While the FDA investigates the link, drugmakers deny causation, citing mixed research and the low overall risk of the condition.
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed in the US against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging that GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs cause a rare eye condition called NAION. While the industry faces significant legal challenges, scientific evidence linking the drugs to permanent vision loss remains mixed, with major manufacturers denying causality.
New research indicates that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound may cause hair loss in men beyond temporary shedding from weight loss. A genetic study found a 7% increased risk for men with specific gene variants, while a broader population study linked GLP-1 use to significantly higher hair loss rates compared to other diabetes drugs.
A new systematic review in Science Progress suggests that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound may be linked to hair thinning in men, with data indicating men carrying a GLP-1–related gene variant have about a 7% higher chance of hair loss, highlighting a potential safety signal as these drugs become more widely used.
A new observational study finds that maintaining starter doses of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs results in significantly less weight loss than recommended maintenance levels. While low-dose tirzepatide (Zepbound) produced 5.5% weight loss, low-dose semaglutide (Wegovy) yielded only 2.2%. Both groups experienced side effects, though the profile differed by drug. Experts warn that microdosing lacks robust clinical evidence and should not replace standard titration schedules.
New research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for weight loss and diabetes, are associated with a higher risk of alopecia compared to other diabetes medications. While the absolute risk remains low, the association is statistically significant. Consumers are turning to supplements like MaryRuth’s liquid multivitamin to counteract hair thinning, though experts emphasize that hair loss is often temporary and advise consulting a dermatologist before stopping medication.
Parents are increasingly prescribing GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy to children with obesity, citing medical necessity rather than cosmetic goals. While some families report improved confidence and health, experts warn that long-term effects on developing brains and puberty remain unknown. Current data shows fewer than 1% of eligible adolescents receive these prescriptions due to cost and access barriers.
A 19-year-old law student from Corona, California, died in a London dorm after taking tirzepatide, a widely prescribed GLP-1/GIP weight‑loss drug sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound. An inquest found her death was due to cardiac arrhythmia, with doctors noting a congenital heart condition (myocardial bridging) that may have contributed; vomiting could have triggered electrolyte imbalances leading to the arrhythmia. Nasr had been prescribed Zepbound by a U.S. doctor and was not obese, highlighting potential risks associated with GLP-1 therapies.
Eli Lilly beat Q2 estimates as demand for obesity and diabetes drugs fueled stronger earnings, prompting a raise in 2026 revenue guidance to $85–$87 billion. Q2 revenue was $22.97 billion with adjusted EPS of $8.38; Mounjaro worldwide sales reached $9.94 billion, Zepbound US sales were $4.93 billion, and Foundayo contributed $98 million in its first quarter of selling. International sales surged while price cuts trimmed some gains. The company highlighted ongoing aggressive M&A activity and expected benefits from Medicare coverage for obesity drugs.
Lilly reported Q2 2026 revenue of $23.0B, up 48% from a year earlier driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound, with GAAP EPS of $7.94 and non-GAAP EPS of $8.38; the company raised its full-year guidance to $85-87B in revenue and $35.50-$36.50 in non-GAAP EPS (midpoint up about $2.78) offset by $3.03 of acquired IPR&D charges, and highlighted regulatory wins (EBGLYSS for atopic dermatitis, Jaypirca in the EU for CLL) and continued obesity pipeline progress (retatrutide) with a planned BLA in 1Q 2027; Lilly also completed multiple acquisitions and announced additional investments to expand manufacturing in Indiana, underscoring a broad, growing pipeline.
Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit alleging Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 weight‑loss ads mislead viewers by comparing Wegovy to Zepbound using Wegovy’s lower-dose data from outdated studies while ignoring Wegovy’s own high‑dose results; Lilly says the ads disclose that the high‑dose Wegovy data isn’t included and defends the head‑to‑head trial as the gold standard.
Mid-stage data from Pfizer’s obesity drug berobenatide (from Metsera) suggest dosing it monthly after an initial weekly period can sustain weight loss through 28 weeks, with up to 12.1% loss in patients who stayed on treatment, though the monthly pace lags Lilly’s Zepbound and competitive clarity remains uncertain.
CVS Caremark will reinstate Lilly’s weight‑loss drug Zepbound on its standard formulary by Oct. 1 after patient backlash over its prior removal, which had pressured some users to switch to Wegovy. The change, affecting about 25–30 million people, does not guarantee coverage for all employer plans but may widen access; Lilly says some private plans could offer as little as a $25 copay. Lilly’s Foundayo will also be added to the formulary starting Monday. Zepbound’s list price is around $1,086 per month before discounts, and a related class‑action lawsuit over the initial formulary decision remains active. Express Scripts and Optum Rx already cover Zepbound.
CVS Caremark will restore coverage for Eli Lilly’s Zepbound on Oct. 1 and start covering Lilly’s obesity pill Foundayo on June 1 on its standard drug plans, putting Lilly and Novo Nordisk on equal footing in major plans and expanding access for patients. The change follows CVS’s previous deal that favored Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, and Caremark’s formulary will offer co‑preferred GLP-1 options for weight loss, though sponsors can opt out, meaning coverage isn’t guaranteed for all. CVS expects the shifts to drive 10%–15% savings in the weight‑management category as Lilly and Novo Nordisk negotiate pricing.”,
Eli Lilly more than doubled its Q1 profits as demand for obesity and diabetes medications drove revenue higher, with Mounjaro sales at $8.7bn and Zepbound at $4.2bn (up 80%), prompting a raised outlook. Foundayo was approved and launched this month but isn’t included in the quarter’s figures. Shares rose about 9%, and Lilly faces competitive pressure from Novo Nordisk while Medicare deals helped push Zepbound prices down even as volumes grew; investors will watch for weekly prescription data and updates on Foundayo’s performance.