Eli Lilly has secured approval from the Hong Kong government to market its tirzepatide injections, branded as Mounjaro, for both long-term weight management and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This approval marks a significant step in expanding access to a novel therapeutic option for individuals struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes in the region. The company plans to launch the drug in Hong Kong as early as the end of this year.
Mounjaro will be available in a user-friendly Kwikpen device, designed to simplify the administration process for patients. Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by activating both the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. These receptors play crucial roles in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite.
The prevalence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes is increasing globally, including in Hong Kong, creating a substantial unmet medical need for effective and convenient treatment options. The introduction of Mounjaro offers a new approach to managing these conditions, potentially improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss in affected individuals. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of tirzepatide in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further details on the specific clinical trial data relevant to the Hong Kong population are anticipated upon the drug's launch in the region.
