New Class of Weight Loss Drugs Introduced in India After Success Abroad

A new class of weight loss drugs has been introduced in the Indian market and is going to change the history of obesity treatment. After becoming a success in the United States and Europe, Tirzepatide drug will be launched in India.

The US-based pharmaceutical giant ‘Eli Lilly’ will be responsible for introducing the drug that will be marketed under the name of Mounjaro in India. The medication will come in a single-dose vial and is designed to be administered individually as a weekly injection.

In India, the drug will be available on prescription. A 2.5 mg vial will be priced at ₹3,500 and a 5 mg vial will be priced at ₹4,375. Patients are likely to spend at least ₹14,000 per month on the drug, depending on their prescribed dosage.

“Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) will be available upon obtaining a valid prescription in registered pharmacies in the coming weeks, said Eli Lilly.

How the Drug Works

This drug is part of a new group of medicines called incretin which work by imitating natural gut hormones that help the body in three ways. First, they boost insulin production. Second is that the drug reduces the release of glucagon and third by slowing digestion to curb appetite. The drug also targets new receptors inside the body to enhance the effect. This drug is meant to be prescribed to those who are obese with a BMI of over 30 or are overweight with a BMI of 25 to 29.