Last Updated on 26/07/2024 by Ankita Jain
More than half of the population in India suffers from diabetes, as a result India has long been considered the diabetes capital of the world. India has been suffering from this problem for many years. However, now a medicine is going to be launched in India for diabetes patients, which can give relief to people from this disease. It is being considered a superhero for diabetes patients, but not everyone will be able to buy it. Its price will be very high, which can prove to be heavy for the pocket of the common man.
‘Tirzepatide’ will be used to treat type 2 diabetes
These days, a weight loss drug called Ozempic is making a splash in western countries. People are benefiting greatly from it. Meanwhile, India’s Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide drug, which will be used to treat type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide drug will be launched in the Indian market under the Monjaro brand. This drug is being planned to be launched in the Indian markets by 2025.
Apart from type 2 diabetes, it can also be used to treat obesity. After investigating all aspects, if it is launched in the market for the treatment of obesity, then it will be sold under the name ‘Zepbound’.
How does ‘Tirzeptide’ help in controlling diabetes?
‘Tirzepatide’ is a new drug that combines glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP -1) receptor agonists and will benefit people by using the good properties of both. With the help of these properties, ‘Tirzepatide’ will release the hormone responsible for controlling the level of blood sugar levels in the body.
This medicine will increase the insulin released from the pancreas after a meal, which will help reduce blood sugar levels. Along with this, ‘Tirzeptide’ blocks the release of a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon is the hormone that normally increases blood sugar levels. This dual process not only helps prevent the rise in glucose levels after meals but also reduces the glucose produced by the liver.
Apart from this, ‘Tirzepatide’ reduces appetite, which controls the amount of glucose that increases in the blood after eating. This method of reducing appetite to control diabetes is also helpful in weight loss, due to which it has attracted the attention of the global market.
How much will ‘Tirzepatide’ cost in India?
According to reports, each dose of ‘Tirzepatide’ will cost around 20 thousand rupees per week. It will have to be taken only once a week. In such a situation, Indians will have to spend 80 thousand rupees to buy one month’s ‘Tirzepatide’. Looking at this price, it would not be wrong to say that this is not going to prove to be a profitable deal for the general public.
Compared to ‘Tirzepatide’, other commonly sold medicines for type 2 diabetes are much cheaper to people. Those medicines cost a few hundred rupees per month. In such a situation, it is doubtful whether the average Indian will use ‘Tirzepatide’ for the treatment of diabetes. However, this medicine can find a market in the form of upper middle class, well-earning and people who want to lose weight.
Disadvantages of ‘Tirzepatide’
Despite being beneficial in treating diabetes and reducing weight, it also has many side effects. Commonly reported side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and stomach upset. More serious problems include pancreatitis, low blood sugar levels, allergic reactions, vision changes, and gallbladder issues, which require immediate medical attention.