Eli Lilly has launched Zepbound in Japan to target visceral fat, with up to 18 million potential patients, Nikkei reported Thursday.
Approved on April 11, the weekly injection activates GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors to aid weight loss. In trials, it reduced weight by 20% on average, compared with 14% for Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, launched in February, the report said.
Monthly costs can reach 45,000 yen. Access is limited to patients with obesity and related health issues, and only approved medical institutions can administer it, according to the report.
Lilly and local distributor Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma expect peak Japan sales of 31.9 billion yen, the report said.
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