Obesity Drug Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a new drug developed by Eli Lilly , originally for Type 2 diabetes . It has shown significant weight loss effects , making it a strong candidate as an obesity treatment .

The drug in focus is Tirzepatide , which is marketed under the name Mounjaro . It is manufactured by Eli Lilly , a global pharmaceutical company.

  • Tirzepatide is a weekly injectable medication .
  • It was originally developed for type 2 diabetes , but is now gaining attention for its weight-loss benefits .
  • It works by mimicking two hormones: GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), both of which regulate appetite and insulin.

How does Tirzepatide work for weight loss?

  • Tirzepatide acts on dual hormone receptors :
    • It stimulates insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are high.
    • It suppresses appetite by acting on brain centers that regulate hunger.
    • As a result, patients eat less and feel full longer, leading to significant weight loss .

What are the results from clinical trials?

  • In trials:
    • People taking Tirzepatide lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks.
    • This is comparable to bariatric surgery , making it a revolutionary step in non-invasive weight-loss treatment.
    • Even those who didn’t have diabetes saw similar weight-loss results.
    • This has made the drug popular even among those without diabetes but struggling with obesity or overweight issues .
Obesity Drug Mounjaro

Why is this drug significant?

  • Tirzepatide represents a paradigm shift in obesity management :
    • Obesity is a global health crisis , linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and reduced life expectancy.
    • Until now, lifestyle changes and surgery were the main interventions.
    • This drug offers a medical alternative that is both effective and non-invasive .
    • If approved more widely, especially in India, it could transform public health outcomes .

What is the market response and demand?

  • There is soaring global demand for weight-loss drugs:
    • Mounjaro and similar drugs are being referred to as “miracle weight-loss drugs.”
    • Due to its efficacy, there’s short supply in many regions.
    • Eli Lilly has announced plans to increase manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand.
    • This reflects a booming weight-loss drug market , with companies racing to capture a share of this high-demand segment.

What is the situation in India?

  • The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Tirzepatide for use in India.
  • However, the approval is limited to type 2 diabetes treatment for now.
  • Use of the drug specifically for weight loss (obesity treatment) is not yet permitted under current Indian regulations.
  • Despite this, there is growing off-label interest in the drug from Indian patients and doctors.

What are the side effects and concerns?

  • Like all medications, Tirzepatide has potential side effects:
    • Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
    • Some experts warn that long-term safety is still under study.
    • There's concern about overuse or misuse , especially among people who are not clinically obese but seek rapid weight loss for cosmetic reasons.
    • Medical professionals advise caution and recommend use only under proper medical supervision .