Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) announced on Wednesday that its popular weight loss drug tirzepatide showed promising results in the treatment of sleep apnea. The drug showed positive topline results in the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trial. This trial showed that tirzepatide injections, in dosages of 10 mg or 15 mg, significantly reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients after 52 weeks (a year). Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder.
Tirzepatide is a drug used for weight loss and is commercialized as ‘Zepbound’ in the U.S. and ‘Mounjaro’ in some markets outside the U.S.
The two studies in the SURMOUNT-OSA Phase 3 clinical trials evaluated tirzepatide in adults with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea and obesity for a year. Both studies met their primary endpoints, demonstrating a significant reduction in patients’ sleep apnea. Additionally, weight loss across the two studies was nearly 20% in the patient population.
Is Eli Lilly a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Analysts are bullish about LLY stock, with a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 16 Buys and three Holds. Over the past year, LLY has surged by more than 100%, and the average LLY price target of $854.63 implies an upside potential of 12.3% from current levels.
