The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved Eli Lilly and Company's diabetes drug for weight loss, making it a main rival to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.

The Lilly drug, which is already approved for diabetes management under the name Mounjaro, will be marketed by the name Zepbound.

REPUBLICAN DEBATE: RON DESANTIS FIGHTS ON HOME TURF TO HOLD OFF NIKKI HALEY THREAT

“Obesity and overweight are serious conditions that can be associated with some of the leading causes of death such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” Dr. John Sharretts, director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “In light of increasing rates of both obesity and overweight in the United States, today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need.”

In trials, non-diabetic recipients of Zepbound lost on average 18% of their body weight, the FDA said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

This is a developing story.