Proven effectiveness on several fronts
In the phase III SUMMIT clinical trial, tirzepatide, a treatment developed by Lilly, reduced the risk of worsening heart failure-related episodes in obese patients by 38%. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association meeting.
Two main criteria were met. First, a notable reduction in the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart failure-related deaths and hospitalizations. Second, a significant improvement in heart failure symptoms measured by the KCCQ-CSS score, with an increase of 25 points for patients on tirzepatide, compared to 15 points for the placebo group.
Multiple benefits for patients
In addition to reducing cardiovascular risk, tirzepatide has shown positive effects on several parameters:
- Improved physical endurance : an average increase of 38 meters over 6 minutes of walking, compared to 8 meters for the placebo.
- Significant weight loss : an average reduction of 15.7% in body weight in treated patients, compared to 2.2% for the placebo group.
- Reduction of inflammatory syndrome : a 43.4% reduction in ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, a key marker, compared to 3.5% for the placebo.
Adverse reactions were mainly gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea and nausea, but remained mostly mild to moderate in intensity.
A promising new therapeutic option
Tirzepatide, already marketed under the name Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, could soon be approved for heart failure in obesity. Lilly submitted the study data to the American (FDA) and European (EMA) authorities.
In France, the drug has been available since November 2024 for type 2 diabetes, but remains not reimbursed pending an evaluation by the Transparency Commission. Its initial prescription is reserved for specialists in endocrinology, diabetology or nutrition.
This development opens major perspectives for the treatment of heart failure associated with obesity, a complex and growing pathology worldwide.
