Mounjaro, the injection to fight type-2 diabetes, draws global attention as new weight loss drug – Firstpost

Ozempic, the revolutionising weight-loss drug, has a new competition in the name of Mounjaro. Pharmaceutical joint Eli Lilly has introduced an injectable tirzepatide for weight loss that has hit the shelves in Europe and India.

Mounjaro has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medicine for type-2 diabetes and its properties have been found effective in reducing weight worldwide. Some have even said that it is much more potent than Ozempic.

“Our mission of making life better for people living with obesity and diabetes in India is reflected in our efforts to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines. The launch of Mounjaro demonstrates our ongoing support to this mission and our shared vision of a healthier nation,” Winselow Tucker, president and general manager of Lilly India, said in a statement.

The drug retails at Rs 3,500 for the 2.5 mg vial and Rs 4,375 for the 5 mg vial.

How will the drug work?

Mounjaro, an injectable medication designed to support weight loss, works by imitating the effects of two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help control appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. This leads to decreased food consumption and enhanced insulin sensitivity. In India, it will be offered in two dosage options: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.

Essentially, tirzepatide is a diabetes medication that is administered to people suffering from chronic obesity. The medicine was approved after it was found nearly as effective as bariatric surgery for weight loss.

On average, the medication can help individuals lose slightly more than 20% of their body weight, with nearly one in three achieving a 25% reduction. However, it is not a quick fix—it must be used in combination with a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective results.

Who can take the drug?

Mounjaro is meant for people who are obese with a BMI (body mass index) of over 30 or overweight individuals whose BMI is between 25 and 29.

It will be available in registered pharmacies in the coming weeks but only with a valid prescription.

The medicine will be available in India as single-dose vials which are injected under the skin every week for optimum results.