Eli Lilly has secured approval from the Hong Kong government to market its tirzepatide injections, known as Mounjaro, for both long-term weight management and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The pharmaceutical giant anticipates launching the drug in Hong Kong as early as the end of this year, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the Asian market.
The approved formulation of tirzepatide will be available in a convenient Kwikpen device. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient found in both Mounjaro, primarily marketed for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, Eli Lilly's dedicated weight-loss drug.
This regulatory nod in Hong Kong further intensifies the competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, particularly in the rapidly expanding market for weight-loss medications in Asia. Both companies are actively working to increase production to meet the growing global demand, with the weight-loss market projected to reach at least $100 billion by the end of the decade.
Both Eli Lilly's and Novo Nordisk's obesity treatments are part of the GLP-1 agonist class of drugs, which were initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs have since demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting weight loss, leading to their increased popularity and use in weight management.
