Ozempic-like weight loss drug Mounjaro launched in India – all you know to know

Global pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India. The drug, a single-molecule drug designed to bind to and activate each GIP and GLP-1 receptors, helps in regulating regulate blood sugar and metabolism. Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the as soon as-weekly injectable drug presents a novel strategy to metabolic well being administration, focusing on each glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors.
Mounjaro is indicated for adults with kind 2 diabetes as an adjunct to eating regimen and train to enhance blood sugar management. It can be prescribed for power weight administration in people with a physique mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher (weight problems) or 27 kg/m2 or higher (chubby) with not less than one weight-related situation.
Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly India, described the twin burden of weight problems and kind 2 diabetes as a urgent public well being problem in India. “Lilly is committed to working with the government and industry to increase awareness and improve disease management,” he mentioned, as reported by information company PTI.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, individuals taking the very best dose (15 mg) misplaced a median of 21.8 kg over 72 weeks, whereas these on the bottom dose (5 mg) misplaced 15.4 kg, ANI reported. The placebo group, in comparability, misplaced simply 3.2 kg. Similarly, the SURPASS program confirmed a discount in A1C ranges by up to 2.4%, making it a promising therapy choice for diabetes administration.
Mounjaro is obtainable in India in single-dose vials, with pricing beginning at Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial. Monthly therapy prices vary between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500, relying on the dosage.
Mounjaro’s launch follows the success of different GLP-1 receptor agonists, equivalent to Ozempic (semaglutide), which has gained world recognition for its effectiveness in diabetes and weight administration. Ozempic, marketed by Novo Nordisk, works equally by mimicking hormones that regulate urge for food and glucose ranges.
Recent research have additionally instructed that semaglutide might cut back alcohol cravings, a discovering that has sparked curiosity in its potential use past weight loss and diabetes therapy. Researchers discovered that individuals taking semaglutide consumed almost 30% much less alcohol in contrast to these on a placebo, reinforcing the concept GLP-1-primarily based medicine might assist handle dependancy-associated behaviors.
Rising weight problems and diabetes charges in India
India is dealing with a rising epidemic of diabetes and weight problems. Around 101 million Indians stay with diabetes, and almost half battle with insufficient glycemic management. Meanwhile, weight problems impacts roughly 100 million adults and is linked to over 200 well being issues, together with coronary heart illness, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
PM Modi flags rising weight problems in India
In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, throughout his Mann Ki Baat handle, highlighted the rising weight problems concern in India, including that one in each eight folks is affected.
He urged residents to cut back their edible oil consumption by 10% month-to-month to fight weight problems, a message he bolstered throughout his radio handle on Sunday.
He additionally shared inspiring messages from Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and famend cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty, who supported the initiative by sharing private experiences.
Additionally, the Prime Minister nominated a number of public figures, together with enterprise tycoons and celebrities, to unfold consciousness and prolong the problem to others.