America's famous drug manufacturer Eli Lilly has launched the weight loss drug Mounjaro in India. This drug is already quite popular in America, Britain and European countries. Now its availability in India is expected to provide great relief to patients suffering from obesity and type-2 diabetes.

How does Mounjaro work?

The chemical name of this drug is Tirzepatide. It is given in the form of injection and has to be taken only once a week. The Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) approved this drug on 16 June 2024.

What is the price?

The price of this medicine in India is quite affordable:

• 2.5 mg dose: ₹3,500
• 5mg dose: ₹4,375

If the patient has to take four injections of 2.5mg dose for a month, then its cost will be around ₹ 14,000. Whereas the same treatment costs ₹ 23,000-₹ 25,000 in the UK.

Strong results in clinical trials

Mounjaro showed impressive results in trials conducted by the company:

• Patients taking the 5mg dose lost an average of 21.8 kg
• Even with the lowest dose, weight loss was up to 15.4 kg

It is clear from these results that if this medicine is taken along with diet and exercise, then there can be tremendous benefit in weight loss.

Why is it needed in India?

Obesity and diabetes have become a serious health problem in India.

• About 10.1 crore people suffer from diabetes
• More than half do not receive complete treatment
• Obesity is the root cause of about 200 diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disorder etc.

Mounjaro is expected to help manage all these problems.

Now it will be available officially in India

Earlier some patients started ordering Mounjaro from abroad, but now this medicine is officially available in the Indian market. With this, people will be able to buy it directly in India without any hassle.

Do not use without doctor's advice

Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Head of Endocrinology, AIIMS Delhi, says that using such medicines without medical advice can be dangerous. Weight loss is possible, but if the injection is not used properly, then this medicine can also cause side effects. Therefore, doctor's supervision is necessary.

Lilly India's Commitment

Lilly India President Winslow Tucker said obesity and type-2 diabetes are a major challenge in India and the company is working with the government and the health sector to control these diseases.

PC:Punjab Kesari