Tirzepatide, a new drug that could have far-reaching impact — and billions in sales — is likely to be approved for weight loss by the Food and Drug Administration in 2023.
The drug, made by U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, is already approved by the FDA to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, at higher doses it has been proven to be highly effective for weight loss by reducing food intake and appetite and improving how the body breaks down sugar and fat.
A clinical trial found that a high dose of tirzepatide helped patients lose about 52 pounds, or an average of 22.5% of their body weight. Tirzepatide, when approved by the FDA, is predicted to hit a record $48 billion in sales, Bank of America analyst Geoff Meacham told NBC News.
While the drug is expected to gain tremendous popularity for weight loss, it is unlikely most people will be able to receive the prescription medication — taken by injection in the thigh, stomach or arm — through insurance companies.
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Lower doses of the drug, used to treat diabetes, are covered by most insurance companies. However, there is very minimal coverage for cases where the drugs are prescribed for obesity. Researchers estimate that tirzepatide could cost about $13,000 annually, or about $1,100 per month, NBC reports.
