Tirzepatide

Prelims – Current events of national and international importance.

Mains – Bio-Technology.

Why in the News?

Eli Lilly, a multinational pharmaceutical company, officially launched its Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) drug in India.

• Tirzepatide – It belongs to a new class of diabetes medicines for the treatment of chronic obesity and for weight-loss.
• It is the 1st significant weight-loss and diabetes drug to enter India.
• It is a type 2 diabetes management drug which is injected weekly once.
• Approved by – Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India’s drug regulator.
• Working mechanism – It mimics 2 key hormones:
  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
  • Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)
• These hormones help regulate blood sugar, control appetite, and slow digestion.
• Dual action on – GLP-1 and GIP receptors sets it apart from Ozempic (Semaglutide), which only targets GLP-1.
• It is more effective than Ozempic (Semaglutide).

Ozempic (Semaglutide) is an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in people who also have heart disease.

• Common side effects – Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and acid reflux.
• In some cases, severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and acute kidney injury.
• Suitable for
  • Adults with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Obese or overweight individuals struggling with weight loss (up to 20 kg weight loss over 72 weeks).
  • Patients with insulin resistance who haven’t responded well to other treatments.

Reference

The Indian Express| Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in India