Tirzepatide

Generic Name: Tirzepatide

Brand Names: Mounjaro

Drug Type: Biotech

Chemical Formula: -

CAS Number: 2023788-19-2

Unique Ingredient Identifier: OYN3CCI6QE

Background: Tirzepatide is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists gained increasing attention as new therapeutic agents for glycemic and weight control as they demonstrated better glucose control and weight loss compared to selective GLP-1 receptor agonists in preclinical and clinical trials.

Tirzepatide comprises a 39 amino acid linear synthetic peptide conjugated to a C20 fatty diacid moiety. Its protein sequence was based on the sequence of endogenous GIP, and its pharmacological action on GLP-1 receptors is comparable to endogenous GIP; however, the long half-life of tirzepatide allows for once-weekly dosing. Tirzepatide was approved by the FDA on May 13, 2022, for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, making it the first and only GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for this indication. On September 15, 2022, tirzepatide was also approved by the European Commission.

Indication: Tirzepatide is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In Europe, it may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs used to treat diabetes.

This drug has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Tirzepatide is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Associated Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Associated Therapies: -

Clinical Trials

FDA says this weight loss drug shortage is over, but patients worry about cost and availability

Patients on compounded tirzepatide, used for weight loss and diabetes, reacted with anxiety to the FDA's resolution of the drug's shortage, as they faced losing access to affordable medication. The FDA's decision to allow large-scale compounding pharmacies to continue producing the drug temporarily was met with a lawsuit from the Outsourcing Facilities Association. The FDA's resolution of the shortage has led to confusion and frustration among patients, with some pharmacists unable to order commercial versions of the drug despite the shortage being officially resolved.

pharmaceutical-technology.com

2 months ago

MangoRx hits back at Eli Lilly's weight loss drug copycat claims

MangoRx refutes Eli Lilly's claims of improper copying of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Lilly's weight-loss drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, for its product Trim. The FDA allowed continued compounding of tirzepatide despite removing it from the shortage list, while Lilly sues over 20 entities for similar issues. MangoRx plans to defend itself vigorously.

pharmavoice.com

2 months ago

FDA's GLP-1 decision kicks off 'unprecedented' tussle over shortage

The FDA's decision to remove Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound from the national shortage list led to a lawsuit by the Outsourcing Facilities Association, allowing compounding pharmacies to continue producing compounded versions of tirzepatide. The FDA's concerns over compounded GLP-1s for weight loss and the Supreme Court's overturning of Chevron deference add layers of uncertainty, with compounding pharmacies advised to prepare for potential changes.

qz.com

2 months ago

Are off-brand Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight loss drugs safe?

Brand-name injectable drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for weight loss and diabetes control, face high demand and limited supply due to patent protection until 2033-2036. Nonbrand alternatives, including compounded drugs and peptide products, pose risks due to lack of FDA oversight and potential contamination. Pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are under pressure to offer lower-priced options to combat these alternatives, with new GLP-1 agonist drugs expected to enter the market in the coming years.

managedhealthcareexecutive.com

2 months ago

The Ozempic Bod Gets Trimmer, 'Ozempic Face' Gets Older

GLP-1 drugs cause rapid weight loss, leading to 'Ozempic face' with facial features affected like aging, including prolapsed orbital fat and increased wrinkles. Tao advises against reversing weight loss for aesthetics, recommending cosmetic treatments post-weight loss goal or discontinuation, such as fillers, skin tightening, or surgical lifts.

theguardian.com

2 months ago

From fashion to the food industry: 11 ways that weight-loss drugs have changed the world

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic are changing the world in unexpected ways, influencing fashion, Hollywood, social lives, the weight-loss industry, food industry, gyms, and even airlines, while also raising questions about mental health and body positivity.

bbc.com

2 months ago

Weight loss jabs for unemployed not dystopian, says Wes Streeting

Health Secretary Wes Streeting defends UK's plan to provide weight loss jabs to unemployed obese individuals, dismissing dystopian claims. The trial, in partnership with Lilly, aims to reduce obesity-related diseases and NHS strain. Critics argue the plan is unethical and unrealistic, targeting people for economic reasons. Streeting emphasizes the broader healthcare benefits and potential to reverse obesity trends.

morningstar.com

2 months ago

Weight-loss drugs may reduce opioid and alcohol abuse by up to 50%, study finds

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic can reduce opioid and alcohol abuse by up to 50%, per a study analyzing data from over 500,000 patients with abuse disorders. The study found GLP-1 and GIP drugs reduced opioid use disorder (OUD) by 40% and alcohol use disorder (AUD) by 50%, suggesting these drugs offer broader benefits beyond weight and diabetes management.

theglobeandmail.com

2 months ago

1 Reason to Buy Eli Lilly Stock Hand Over Fist Right Now

Eli Lilly's stock has surged 58% in 2024, driven by success in diabetes and obesity markets with GLP-1 agonists Mounjaro and Zepbound, and FDA approval for Alzheimer's drug donanemab. Recently, Lilly received FDA approval for atopic dermatitis medication Ebglyss, targeting a $31.4 billion global market by 2034. Despite a high P/E ratio of 113, Lilly's diverse opportunities in Alzheimer's, eczema, and AI suggest potential undervaluation.

Tirzepatide

Drug Development Updates