Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A breakthrough drug for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, has been released in India. The drug has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
India, a country of more than 1.4 billion people, has seen an increase in obesity rates. A government survey conducted between 2019 and 2021 showed that 24% of women and nearly 23% of men between the ages of 15 and 49 were either overweight or obese, up from 20.6% of women and 19% of men in 2015-2016.
“It is the first drug to target both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors, offering a new approach to metabolic health management,” the manufacturing company Eli Lilly and Company has said. “The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India. Lilly is committed to collaborating with the government and industry to promote awareness and improve the prevention and management of these diseases,” Winselow Tucker, President & GM, Lilly India, told the media.
Mounjaro is available in single-dose vials, with pricing set at Rs3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs4,375 for a 5 mg vial, leading to a monthly cost of Rs14,000-Rs17,500, depending on dosage. In the U.S., Mounjaro carries a list price of $1,086.37 for each fill “Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection, is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose). It is not known if Mounjaro can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is not known if Mounjaro is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age,” the company has said on its website.
Misuse of the drug is a big concern
According to Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Healthcare, “obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace, fueling an increase in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and related conditions. Managing obesity has become a significant challenge, and the ultimate solution lies in prevention. It is important to focus on promoting healthy eating habits from infancy through adulthood.”
“Historically, anti-obesity drugs have been plagued by failures, often proving ineffective or unsustainable. However, a new class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists has shown remarkable promise. Originally developed for diabetes management, these drugs were later found to have profound weight-loss effects. Among them, semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have gained significant attention. I think they are a huge advancement, and it’s very good that they will now be accessible to the Indian public at a slightly more affordable price. Previously, patients had to obtain them from abroad, where they were very expensive. A large proportion of the urban middle class will now have access to this medication, which makes me optimistic,” he added.
“However, my only concern—and I have voiced this repeatedly—is the potential for misuse. Those considering these drugs should only take them under the supervision of an endocrinologist or physician. Do not make the mistake of using them as a cosmetic drug or casually purchasing and injecting them. Remember, these drugs will be available only by prescription,” he said.
Side effects and warning
The common side effects of the drug are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion and stomach pain, as per Eli Lilly.
Warning: Eli Lilly advises against the use of Mounjaro if one has symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Do not use Mounjaro if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Do not use Mounjaro if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in Mounjaro.
