Lilly ($LLY) Mounjaro outperformed rival GLP-1 therapies in early type 2 diabetes study

Eli Lilly reported new data showing its GLP-1 therapy Mounjaro delivered stronger outcomes than other commonly used treatments in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Results from the SURPASS-EARLY study found that patients whose diabetes remained inadequately controlled with metformin, diet and exercise achieved greater improvements in blood sugar levels, weight and waist circumference after adding tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, compared with other treatment options.

The trial enrolled nearly 800 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the previous four years. Most patients in the comparison group received other GLP-1 therapies, including semaglutide products marketed by Novo Nordisk or Lilly’s own Trulicity.

After two years, approximately 60% of patients treated with tirzepatide achieved normal blood sugar levels, compared with 24% of those receiving alternative therapies.

The findings add to growing evidence supporting earlier use of Mounjaro in diabetes management and could further strengthen Lilly’s position in the highly competitive GLP-1 market, where it continues to compete with Novo Nordisk across both diabetes and obesity indications.

For investors, the data reinforce Mounjaro’s commercial potential as Lilly seeks to expand its leadership in the fast-growing metabolic disease market, which remains one of the pharmaceutical industry's most closely watched growth areas.