Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is set to broaden the scope of its clinical trial for the diabetes drug Mounjaro, which will now encompass patients as young as six years old who are grappling with obesity, as reported by Bloomberg News on Friday, citing a knowledgeable source.
According to information gleaned from a U.S. government registry, Eli Lilly is already underway with a trial involving Mounjaro for children as young as 10 who are contending with type 2 diabetes. This move underscores the company’s commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of younger demographics in their battle against diabetes and obesity.
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly’s Danish counterpart, Novo Nordisk, is also making strides in this arena. The company is currently in the midst of a late-stage trial for their drug semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic, in children as young as six years old, according to the same registry.
The expansion of these clinical trials comes at a crucial juncture, as the demand for effective treatments for diabetes and obesity continues to surge. Notably, in the first half of this year, Eli Lilly has already amassed a staggering $1.5 billion in sales for Mounjaro, a remarkable feat considering the drug received approval in the United States just a year prior.
As of the time of this report, Eli Lilly has not yet provided an official statement in response to requests for comment regarding this latest development.
This latest endeavor by Eli Lilly signifies a pivotal step forward in the pharmaceutical company’s mission to combat diabetes and obesity, particularly within the pediatric population. With Novo Nordisk concurrently conducting trials for a similar age group, the potential outcome holds promise for parents seeking a wider array of treatment options for their children.
At a juncture where many continue to grapple with the repercussions of the pandemic, such progress offers a ray of hope for those wrestling with the challenges posed by diabetes and obesity.
Source: Reuters
