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.
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Features
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Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
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Ozempic (Semaglutide)
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Receptors Targeted
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GLP-1 + GIP
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GLP-1 only
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Weight Loss
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20–25% of body weight.
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Up to 15%
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Diabetes Control
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Superior blood sugar reduction.
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Effective but less potent than Tirzepatide.
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- 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.
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Quick Facts
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- India is seeing a rapid rise in both obesity and diabetes.
- According to the International Diabetes Federation, Diabetes cases are projected to increase from 74.2 million in 2021 to 124 million by 2045.
- A government survey, from 2019 to 2021, found that 24% of women and 23% of men (ages 15–49) are overweight or obese, a sharp increase from 2015–2016 levels.
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Reference
The Indian Express| Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in India
