Lilly's Tirzepatide Injection (ZEPBOUND™) Approved in Canada, Marking a Breakthrough in Obesity Management

In today’s society, obesity has become a global health challenge. In Canada, the issue of obesity is increasingly severe, with one in three people affected. Obesity not only impacts personal health but also imposes significant social and economic burdens. Recently, Eli Lilly Canada announced that ZEPBOUND™ KwikPen® (tirzepatide injection) is now officially available in Canada, offering new hope for patients with obesity.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease caused by the interaction of genetic, physiological, behavioral, environmental, and social factors. It is characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, posing a threat to health and being associated with more than 200 diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

In Canada, the obesity problem is becoming increasingly severe, with related annual economic losses reaching up to 27.6 billion Canadian dollars. Moreover, obese patients face discrimination and stigmatization, even within the healthcare system, which not only affects their mental health but also leads to treatment delays.

Eli Lilly and Company announced that Health Canada has approved the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist tirzepatide (brand name: Zepbound KwikPen) for chronic weight management.，Injected once a week as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

ZEPBOUND™ is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI between 27 kg/m² and 30 kg/m²) who have at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

It is worth mentioning that,ZEPBOUND™ is the first and only dual-receptor agonist approved in Canada for long-term weight management, with dual effects of weight loss and weight maintenance.

This approval is mainly based on the results of four Phase 3 clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1 to SURMOUNT-4).In the SURMOUNT-1 study, 2,539 non-diabetic patients with obesity or overweight and related diseases who received tirzepatide injections combined with dietary and exercise interventions experienced significant weight loss at 72 weeks compared to the placebo group. The highest-dose group lost an average of 21.8 kilograms, the lowest-dose group lost an average of 15.4 kilograms, while the placebo group lost only 3.2 kilograms.

Dr. Sean Wharton, an internist and weight management specialist, believes:"This will provide more options for Canadians who need to control their weight, marking an important advancement in the treatment of obesity and related diseases."

Obesity management expert Dr. Yves Robitaille stated:"Obesity management often requires pharmacological intervention to achieve health goals. The approval of tirzepatide has added an effective treatment option for patients."

Lisa Schaffer, Executive Director of Obesity Canada, said:"We are entering a new era of obesity treatment — innovations are emerging, public awareness is increasing, and old beliefs are being challenged. However, many people still lack equitable access to treatments. It's time to take action so that those who truly need it can benefit from these new tools."

Priti Chawla, Executive Director of Obesity Matters/Parlons Obésité, stated:"The approval of ZEPBOUND™ means that Canadians living with obesity are beginning to be seen, heard, and supported more. Treatment should be needs-based, not determined by identity or wealth. We call on governments and employers to ensure equitable access."

Sandra Elia, advocate for obesity patients (Obesity Matters/Parlons Obésité), believes"This is not only a breakthrough in medicine but also a social statement. The suffering of obese patients is real, and their experiences deserve respect, understanding, and scientific support. This is hope, and it is also the beginning of change."