FDA approves a new weight loss drug, Zepbound from Eli Lilly

The Food and Drug Administration approved a request by Eli Lilly on Wednesday to begin marketing its tirzepatide medication, which is branded as Mounjaro for diabetes, under a new brand for weight loss as well.

While Mounjaro had already been used by some patients "off-label" for weight loss, the new FDA approval will allow the drugmaker to begin officially selling and marketing tirzepatide — branded as Zepbound — for weight loss too.

Zepbound will be available for patients in the U.S. by the end of the year, the drugmaker said.