Eli Lilly & Co. is preparing to launch its weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), in Hong Kong by the end of the year. This move positions Mounjaro as potentially the first drug of its kind available in the broader China region. The medication has received approval from the Hong Kong government for marketing tirzepatide injections, administered via the Kwikpen device, for both long-term weight management and the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
While Mounjaro has already been approved in mainland China for both diabetes and weight loss, the specific launch date remains uncertain. Novo Nordisk, a competitor, currently markets its diabetes medication in both Hong Kong and mainland China, but its weight-loss version has not yet been introduced. The anticipation surrounding Mounjaro's launch in Hong Kong is high, especially given the reported prevalence of counterfeit weight-loss injections in mainland China.
The global demand for highly effective weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro (also marketed as Zepbound) and Novo’s Wegovy has surged, leading to supply shortages. In response to these limitations, Novo Nordisk has announced it will limit initial sales of Wegovy in China, where it was approved in June, to ensure a steady supply for other markets. This decision comes as many Chinese consumers have turned to online and gray-market channels to purchase Novo’s Ozempic, a drug cleared in China in 2021 for type 2 diabetes, seeking its weight-loss effects due to its similar active ingredient at a lower dose.
Clinical Efficacy and Side Effects
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro can lead to a significant reduction in body weight, with results showing up to a 25% decrease when combined with diet and exercise. However, like other medications in its class, Mounjaro is associated with side effects. Reported side effects, experienced by at least 5% of patients, include nausea, diarrhea, reduced appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain. These factors should be carefully considered when prescribing and monitoring patients on Mounjaro.
