Eli Lilly releases Zepbound obesity drug in Japan, targeting 'hidden' fat

Pharmaceutical company eyes 18m potential patients and sales of $224m at peak

20250417N Zepbound

Zepbound works in the same way as hormones in the body that promote fat metabolism and suppress appetite. © Reuters

HINAKO BANNO

TOKYO -- U.S. drugmaker Eli Lilly has released its Zepbound obesity medication in Japan, targeting the millions said to suffer from the "hidden" scourge of buildups of visceral fat.

"We believe there are 16 to 18 million potential patients in Japan," said Mihoko Yoshino, an executive director in charge of obesity at Eli Lilly Japan, at a media briefing in Tokyo on Thursday. "Many patients are unaware that the disease exists or that there are treatments available. We hope to deliver treatment to those who need it."

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