Obesity drug trial coming to Greater Manchester

Photo: GMCA

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham

A major trial is coming to Greater Manchester to see how a new drug can tackle obesity.

The ‘five-year real-world evidence study’ will be run by Health Innovation Manchester and pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), subject to approval.

It will examine ‘the real-world effectiveness of tirzepatide in weight loss, diabetes prevention, and prevention of obesity-related complications for adults with obesity’, according to the pharma firm.

“Obesity is a public health epidemic and is a causal factor of many major chronic health conditions,” said Lilly’s Rachel Batterham. “Tackling obesity requires a holistic approach, including prevention strategies and effective support services for those already living with obesity.”

Currently, tirzepatide is approved under the name ‘Mounjaro’ to tackle type-2 diabetes in the European Union and United States.

Now, evidence from the Greater Manchester study could ‘potentially inform the UK’s care pathway approach to the treatment of obesity’, according to Lilly, which is seeking approval in the UK for the drug.

Lilly says the research will also ‘aim to collect data on healthcare resource utilisation, health-related quality of life and changes in participants’ employment status and sick days from work’ too. This could be the first of many clinical trials the company launches in the UK after it and the government signed a new ‘memorandum of understanding’.

Under the agreement, the company will invest £279 million in the UK’s life science sector, through establishing ‘Lilly Gateway Labs’. The facilities will allow start-up health businesses develop medicines using Lilly’s lab space, mentorship, and potential financial backing.

“The results of the trial announced today could have a far-reaching impact on how we treat obesity globally, and our city-region is ready to make a significant contribution,” said mayor Andy Burnham. “This partnership could be the first of many and give Greater Manchester residents access to other innovative treatments.”

Ethan Davies, Local Democracy Reporter