Breaking News: India Approves Weight Loss Drug Tirzepatide - How it Works and What You Need to Know

The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India’s apex drug regulator, has given the green light to pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. This development comes after Zepbound, an injectable prescription medicine that fights obesity in adults, was approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) last year. Tirzepatide will be imported and marketed in India for diabetes treatment, but its obesity indication is still under review.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a medication developed by Eli Lilly and Company, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is sold under the brand names Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss. In India, tirzepatide will be used to treat diabetes, not weight loss.

How Does it Work?

Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the effects of these naturally occurring hormones to help regulate blood sugar levels. Here’s how it works:

• Tirzepatide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas in response to meals, helping to lower blood sugar levels after eating.
• It reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels.
• Lower glucagon levels help reduce glucose production by the liver.
• It slows down the emptying of the stomach, reducing the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after a meal, helping to control postprandial blood sugar spikes.
• By acting on the brain’s appetite centres, tirzepatide can help reduce hunger and food intake, which may contribute to weight loss.

Side Effects

While tirzepatide can be effective in managing type 2 diabetes, it can also have side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stomach (abdominal) pain

Some serious side effects could be:

• Inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis
• Low blood sugar level if used with another medication
• Serious allergic reactions
• Severe stomach problems
• Changes in vision
• Gallbladder problems

Precautions

Before using Mounjaro (tirzepatide), your healthcare provider should:

• Show you how to use it for the first time
• Discuss low blood sugar and how to manage it
• Warn you about the potential interaction with birth control pills, which may not work as well while using Mounjaro

Eli Lilly’s CEO, David Ricks, has stated that the company expects to launch Mounjaro in India as early as 2025 after clearing the ongoing regulatory review. As students preparing for competitive exams, it is essential to stay updated on the latest developments in the field of medicine and healthcare. This news highlights the importance of understanding the working mechanism and potential side effects of new medications like tirzepatide.

Historical Context:

The approval of tirzepatide in India is a significant development in the field of diabetes treatment and weight loss management. The US FDA approved Zepbound, the injectable prescription medicine, last year, marking a milestone in the treatment of obesity. This approval comes at a time when the global obesity epidemic is on the rise, with India being one of the countries most affected. The approval of tirzepatide in India is expected to provide a new treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes, which is a growing concern in the country.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Tirzepatide, a medication developed by Eli Lilly and Company, has been approved by the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. • Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring hormones. • The medication works by stimulating insulin release, reducing glucagon levels, slowing down stomach emptying, and reducing hunger and food intake. • Common side effects of tirzepatide include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain. • Serious side effects may include pancreatitis, low blood sugar, allergic reactions, severe stomach problems, changes in vision, and gallbladder problems. • Before using tirzepatide, patients should discuss potential interactions with birth control pills and low blood sugar management with their healthcare provider. • Eli Lilly expects to launch tirzepatide in India as early as 2025 after clearing the ongoing regulatory review. • The approval of tirzepatide in India highlights the importance of understanding the working mechanism and potential side effects of new medications like tirzepatide.