Weight Loss Drug Tirzepatide To Be Launched In India: Report

Weight loss drugs have been a huge hit in the markets of the US as well as the European countries. Now, it is being reported that these drugs are set to debut in the Indian markets. The drug is called Tirzepatide, which has earned the first import approval by the Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Here are all the details related to the news. The drug is being produced by the pharmaceutical company called Eli Lilly and Co. According to the information given, it will be sold under the names of Zepbound and Mountjaro, chemically referred to as Tirzepatide. It was developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes but can also be consumed for weight loss. Mounjaro was made available in the US in 2022, as a drug for diabetes. While in 2023, Zepbound was approved to tackle the condition of weight by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Last month, a subject expert committee (SEC) under the CDSCO, proposed the regulatory approval of two forms of the Tirzepatide drug. It includes the pre-filled pens and single-dose vials. The proposal was made after the panel reviewed the global trials carried out by the company, which included Indian participants.

The SEC stated in its order, “After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of permission for import and marketing of Tirzepatide 2.5mg/0.5ml, 5mg/0.5ml, 7.5mg/0.5ml, 10mg/0.5ml, 12.5mg/0.5ml and 15mg/0.5ml solution for injection in a single dose prefilled pen.”

In the US, the drug is sold under the names of Wegovy and Ozempic by another drug company called Novo Nordisk. According to an expert, it became so popular in the American and European markets that it was hoarded, sold in black market and was widely misused, without a medical expert’s consultation.

As per more information, a Tirzepatide injection led to 18 percent weight loss within a period 72 weeks. The drug target’s the hormones of GLP1 (glucagon-like peptid) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which is used in insulin production. According to diabetologist Dr V Mohan, it is to be given to those who carry a body mass index of 30 or above.