Mounjaro: The next game-changer is even better than Wegovy
With the delay to the launch of Wegovy and no date set yet for it to be available, all eyes are turning to what’s next. And the most likely answer is Mounjaro, which has the active drug of Tirzepatide.
20-25% weight loss in clinical trials
First, let’s back up. Semaglutide is a so-called GLP-1 medication which mimics our body’s natural gut hormones to suppress hunger and in clinical trials causes weight loss of about 15% in just over a year. Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus are all forms of semaglutide.
The next game-changing drug is likely to be Tirzepatide, which will have the consumer name of Mounjaro. Manufactured by the US pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, it is shown to have an even greater effect on weight loss, with clinical trials showing weight loss of 20%-25%.
There is no date yet for the launch but there is hope that it could be available before the end of 2023.
Comparing with Mounjaro with Wegovy
Multiple clinical trials have been conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of Tirzepatide in treating obesity. In a recent phase 3 trial, participants receiving Tirzepatide experienced an average weight loss of 20-25% from baseline over 68 weeks of treatment. This impressive weight loss percentage highlights the potential of Tirzepatide as a game-changer in the field of weight management.
Semaglutide 2.4mg, also known as Wegovy, another GLP-1 RA, has gained attention for its effectiveness in weight loss. The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) trials demonstrated substantial weight loss among participants receiving Semaglutide. In the STEP 1 trial, participants receiving Semaglutide 2.4mg experienced an average weight loss of approximately 15% over 68 weeks, slightly lower than the weight loss observed with Tirzepatide.
However, it's important to note that direct head-to-head comparisons between Mounjaro and Wegovy are currently limited. Each medication has its unique properties, dosages, and mechanisms of action. Further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of these two medications.
Mounjaro - a major step forward in treating obesity
The results of the trial demonstrate the potential of tirzepatide to be a game-changer in the fight against obesity. Obesity is a major public health concern, and it is estimated that 1.2 million deaths occur each year in Europe due to obesity. The disease is particularly prevalent in the UK, where the obesity rate is among the highest in the world. Efforts to reduce obesity have typically focused on diet and exercise, but many people find that they struggle to maintain weight loss over time. The results of the tirzepatide trial suggest that the drug could provide a new approach to reducing obesity and help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Tirzepatide works by targeting underlying disease mechanisms, a key aspect of treating obesity as a chronic disease. The drug stimulates the release of hormones that regulate appetite, reduce food intake, and promote feelings of fullness. Additionally, tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it stimulates the release of insulin and helps regulate glucose levels. The combination of these effects makes tirzepatide a promising option for reducing body weight and improving overall health in people with obesity.
The trial results are also significant in light of the recent approval for Wegovy for the treatment of obesity by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of treating obesity as a disease, rather than simply a matter of personal responsibility.
Published: 08 June 2023