Eli Lilly's Weight-Loss Pill 'Zepbound' Approved for Sale in Israel

The U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's new weight-loss pill, known medically as tirzepatide and marketed as Zepbound, will be available in Israel starting September 15. Israel is the fourth country globally to approve the drug's sale, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The medication, which is taken orally once daily, has been submitted for approval to Israel's Ministry of Health and is also being considered for inclusion in the national health basket.

Zepbound is intended for adults with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related comorbidity, to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. While effective, its weight-loss efficacy is reportedly about half that of injectable weight-loss medications. Dr. Raz Hagai, director of the Obesity Treatment Medical Center, noted that the oral administration could be a significant advantage for some patients, offering a simpler treatment option that doesn't require fasting or specific timing relative to meals or drinks.

The pill is available in six dosages and does not require refrigeration, a logistical benefit for patients and the supply chain. The cost for a 30-day supply ranges from approximately 691.59 shekels for lower doses to 1,146.46 shekels for higher doses. Clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of 12.4% with the highest dose. The drug also showed a statistically significant reduction in the combined risk of cardiovascular death and heart attack in patients with type 2 diabetes, overweight, and obesity compared to a placebo.

Additional metabolic benefits observed in studies include a reduction in waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. In diabetic patients, it led to a decrease in HbA1c levels. The drug's safety profile is similar to other treatments, with common side effects being gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically occurring at the start of treatment. Approximately 10.6% of participants in clinical trials discontinued the medication due to side effects.