Exploring Tirzepatide: Mechanism, Benefits, and Approval

India has recently given the first approval to Tirzepatide a drug by a pharmaceutical company called Eli Lilly. While India has given initial approval to Tirzepatide, primarily for the treatment of diabetes, it has also been used for weight reduction.

Introduction

Weight loss drugs including Ozempic and Zepbound have recently become widely popular among the masses, especially in the American and European countries.

Recently, the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), gave initial approval for Tirzepatide, which is an active component of Zepbound and Mounjaro. However, it was clarified that approval had been given to the drug for treating diabetes 2 and that the Obesity claim is currently in the reviewing process.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is an FDA-approved novel medication mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug has also been found to be effective in weight reduction, leading to its off-label use—the drug results in enhanced glycaemic control and weight reduction in diabetic patients. Tirzepatide is presently being used as a second-line treatment for diabetes equivalent to GLP-1 drugs. [1]

Mechanism Of Action

Trizepatide is a GLP-1 and GIP dual agonist. Trizepatide increases adiponectin levels and stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas which causes a reduction in hyperglycemia. Because of the dual agonism hyperglycemia and the appetite of the patients are significantly decreased giving the feeling of fullness.

For people with obesity, 5 – 15 mg weekly administration of Trizepatide has shown remarkable results in body weight reduction. A few analyses showed that Trizepatide demonstrated improvement in markers of β-cell function and the sensitivity of insulin. [1] [2]

Side effects and Misuse of the drug

In an earlier study on Trizepatide, which was funded by Eli-Lily it was found that gastrointestinal disorders were one of the most common side effects. One-third of people who were taking the highest dose had nausea whereas one-fifth ended up experiencing diarrhoea. A few other issues included vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and headache. [3]

Although the Indian drug regulatory system has approved Trizepatide sale for type 2 diabetes, there have been concerns regarding its off-label prescription. Off-label prescription refers to prescribing a drug for a different cause rather than what it had been approved for.

Trizepatide in India

The drug is expected to be released in the country by the year 2025. Along with that Novo Nordisk has also planned on releasing a weight-reducing drug by 2026 in India. India being the world’s second-highest number of diabetics and obese people the drug is expected to win over the Indian market. Some studies report that approximately 11.4 percent of people in India are diabetics.

Conclusion

According to the doctors, these drugs cannot be the ultimate solution for weight loss. For the effects to last, these drugs must be continued for a specified longer period. Studies and trials have shown that after stopping the medications people regained most of the weight and the effective average weight loss was just around 5.6 percent.

All in all, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a proper sleep schedule. Today’s baby steps are important for tomorrow’s long-term goals.