How Tirzepatide drug can be a gamechanger in treating obesity among Indian population

Hyderabad: India is among the top three obese nations. Type 2 diabetes is highly prevalent among the adult population. The demand for cure or containment of these two conditions has been witnessing a rapid spike.

The recent reports about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearing the import and marketing of Tirzepatide (TIP) for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have come as a key development.

Even though several other drugs for weight reduction in India exist, the possible introduction of TIP marketed as Mounjaro and Zepboud is expected to get a major push, despite its higher cost.

Approval for treating type 2 diabetes

Technically the approval for Elli Lilly’s Mourjaro and Zepboud is for treating type 2 diabetes and not obesity. But, the medicines are capable of reducing the weight of obese individuals.

“The medicines are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. The main use is antibiotic drugs in type 2 diabetes”, Dr. Shiva Raju, senior consultant physician, and diabetologist, KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad said.

Track record of reducing weight

India has already approved the sale of weight loss drugs including Semaglutide and Liraglutide. The anti-obesity market had witnessed a steady surge, estimated at Rs 500 crores in January 2024.

The weight reduction capacity of Semaglutide and Liraglutide is pegged at 15% and 4-5% respectively. However, the TIP has been used in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world as a weight reduction drug, with proven effectiveness.

“Several studies have proved that 5.9% weight reduction happens in 3 months, while almost 14.9% weight reduction happens in 6 months”, said Dr Kavya Dendukuri lead consultant hepatologist and gastroenterologist at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad.

How is weight reduction enabled?

The TIP is found to have metabolic effects on individuals resulting in a reduction in appetite and subsequently weight loss.

“Another major mechanism of the drug is in the gut, resulting in the reduction of gastric emptying and increased satiety. In this way it can reduce weight”, Dr Shiva Raju said.

Dr Kavya said, “They regulate the hormones in the brain, adipose tissue in the digestive system and suppress the appetite. However, only those people who are found not eligible for surgery with contraindication for surgery and unfit should be given this drug”.

Minor side effects and high cost

The cost of the medicine in other countries is around $ 1,000 for four doses of injection per month, equivalent to Rs 83,000. Either for obesity or type 2 diabetes, this amount is not affordable for a larger section of the population.

“There are minor side effects including nausea, bloating, and pancreatitis. Such patients should not be administered with this medication”, Dr Shiva Raju said.

Even though the drug helps in reducing weight, exercises and lifestyle changes are required to sustain the weight loss. With phase 4 trials recommended before the drug is approved for weight loss, the drug is restricted for treating type 2 diabetes.