New Drug Mounjaro Approved for Treating Type 2 Diabetes in the UK
A new drug called Mounjaro has been given approval for use in the United Kingdom as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. This injectable medication, also known as Tirzepatide, has shown promise in both controlling blood glucose levels after meals and regulating appetite.
Research conducted on Mounjaro has demonstrated that it is more effective in managing blood sugar and results in significant weight loss compared to currently available type 2 diabetes drugs. The drug is derived from a protein similar in structure to the hormone GIP, which stimulates the release of insulin. However, what sets Tirzepatide apart is its ability to bind to the receptors of another hormone called GLP-1, which also triggers insulin release.
This unique mechanism makes Tirzepatide the first “dual-hormone agonist” to receive approval for treating type 2 diabetes. In contrast, another drug called Semaglutide only targets GLP-1.
So how does Mounjaro work? GLP-1 and GIP hormones are produced by specialized cells in the large and small intestines in response to increasing blood glucose levels after a meal. These hormones act on the pancreas to increase insulin production and decrease glucagon production, which ultimately helps regulate glucose levels. In addition, GLP-1 slows down the stomach’s emptying process, leading to a feeling of fullness for a longer duration. The combined effects of these hormones have proven to be beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels and facilitating weight loss.
The naturally produced GLP-1 and GIP hormones have a short duration of action, lasting around two minutes. However, Tirzepatide has been modified to have a longer-lasting effect, degrading slowly and remaining active for approximately five days. As a result, the drug only needs to be administered once a week.
The effectiveness of Mounjaro has been observed in clinical trials comparing it to Semaglutide. A 40-week trial found that all doses of Tirzepatide were superior to Semaglutide in reducing average blood sugar levels, with more than 80% of patients achieving their glucose targets. Another study spanning a year demonstrated that the 15mg dosage of Tirzepatide was as effective as insulin in controlling blood glucose levels. Furthermore, patients taking Mounjaro experienced weight loss ranging from 8.5% to 13%, surpassing the average 7% weight loss observed in patients taking Semaglutide.
Around 80% to 90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese. Previous drugs used to manage the condition often led to no weight loss or weight gain. However, drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, which simultaneously lower blood glucose levels and promote weight loss, have revolutionized type 2 diabetes treatment.
While Mounjaro has the potential to be used as a weight management drug, it has not yet been approved for that purpose in the UK, Europe, or the US. Currently, it is solely approved for managing type 2 diabetes. Given the global supply issues with GLP-1 analogues, it is crucial to prioritize these drugs for people with type 2 diabetes. However, the approval of Tirzepatide in the UK may help alleviate recent shortages of Semaglutide.
Overall, Mounjaro provides a promising advancement in treating type 2 diabetes by effectively controlling blood sugar levels and aiding in weight loss.