Tirzepatide, a recently popular weight-loss drug, is suggested for people with certain cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity, in line with Zuellig Pharma, a pharmaceutical company.
The drug, fondly generally known as “Tirz,” recently gained popularity as a result of its dual-action mechanism, which will help regulate each blood sugar and body weight.
In an email interview, Zuellig Pharma said that tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro), as an example, targets each GIP and GLP-1—hormones that help regulate blood sugar after meals—to support blood sugar control and weight management.
“By targeting each GIP and GLP-1, the drug works on the brain and metabolism at the identical time,” said David Cummings, a professor on the University of Washington.
“This doesn’t just lower blood sugar; it resets the body’s weight set-point, offering clinical results that were previously difficult to attain through traditional means,” Mr. Cummings added during a forum led by Zuellig Pharma on Jan. 27.
The brand Mounjaro KwikPen, exclusively and authorized for distribution by Zuellig Pharma, is the one tirzepatide brand approved within the country by the Food and Drug Administration as of this writing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gyneth Lourdes Bibera, Zuellig Pharma’s medical director, said that tirzepatide is suggested for adults whose type 2 diabetes isn’t sufficiently controlled with food regimen and exercise.
It’s also advisable for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or chubby (BMI 27–29.9) who’ve a minimum of one weight-related health condition, corresponding to hypertension, heart problems, or dyslipidemia, amongst others.
Tirzepatide will be prescribed alone when metformin is taken into account inappropriate as a result of intolerance or contraindications, or together with other diabetes medications for higher blood sugar control.
“It’s also indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie food regimen and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight reduction and weight maintenance,” Ms. Bibera added, noting that this is applicable to adults meeting the factors above.
The World Health Organization (WHO) supports using GLP-1 therapies, including tirzepatide, for adults with obesity and sort 2 diabetes as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
WHO also noted that these medications needs to be used alongside lifestyle changes corresponding to food regimen and exercise, while emphasizing the necessity for monitoring, long-term safety evaluation, and equitable access.
The Mounjaro KwikPen is obtainable at leading drugstores nationwide, but only with a physician’s prescription. — Edg Adrian A. Eva