Eli Lilly and Company (India) has introduced Mounjaro, a novel once-weekly drug for controlling obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes, in a new single-dose vial format. With marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), this unique therapeutic option represents a significant step forward in India's fight against two interconnected public health concerns.

The purpose of Mounjaro is to activate both the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. This dual-action mechanism promotes insulin production in a glucose-dependent manner while also improving insulin sensitivity and glucagon levels, providing a comprehensive approach to glycaemic control and weight management. Mounjaro works by replicating the effect of natural incretin hormones, which helps to delay gastric emptying and lower hunger, resulting in significant weight loss and better metabolism.

The clinical evidence for Mounjaro is compelling. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, which included 2,539 people who were obese or overweight and had other health problems related to their weight, those who took the highest dose lost an average of 21.8 kg over 72 weeks. Even the lowest dose showed significant advantages, with an average weight loss of 15.4 kg against 3.2 kg in the placebo group. Similarly, the phase 3 SURPASS program, which included patients with type 2 diabetes, saw A1C reductions ranging from 1.7% to 2.4% over 40 weeks, whether Mounjaro was administered alone or in combination with other diabetes drugs.

This announcement is especially opportune in India, where the dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is a major problem (with approximately 101 million people living with diabetes and an increasing obesity prevalence). The medicine addresses an important need for improved chronic disease treatment. Obesity is connected to over 200 health issues, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and sleep apnoea; therefore, tackling it successfully can have a greater public health impact. The leadership of Lilly India emphasises the company's aim of collaborating with government and industry stakeholders to create awareness and develop prevention measures for metabolic illnesses.

Mounjaro's deliberate introduction aligns with a broader trend in healthcare, prioritising personalised and mechanism-based treatments over traditional, universal approaches. The clinical trials not only show significant weight loss and glycaemic improvements, but they also highlight the need for incorporating lifestyle changes, such as nutrition and exercise, into the treatment plan. Dr Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director at Lilly India, stated that Mounjaro provides healthcare practitioners with a powerful new choice for addressing these interconnected health concerns, which continue to place a significant strain on India's healthcare system.

From a public health standpoint, the launch of Mounjaro represents a proactive approach to tackling metabolic disorders through breakthrough technology. It emphasises the importance of ongoing evolution in treatment modalities, especially in a country where the prevalence of type-2 diabetes and obesity is increasing. The medicine not only shows promise for improving clinical results, but it also has the potential to reduce the long-term economic and social consequences of chronic illnesses. 

Mounjaro represents a paradigm shift in metabolic disease management, offering hope for millions. Its dual-receptor action could redefine treatment protocols and improve quality of life, reinforcing the critical role of innovative therapies in public health.