Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic: three drugs drawing intense attention that have raised the hopes of millions around the world suffering from diabetes or obesity.
But what are they, how are they used and who makes them?
Imitating a key hormone
These drugs imitate a hormone known as GLP-1 (glugacon-like peptide-1), which is secreted by the intestines. It stimulates insulin production and creates a feeling of fullness, suppressing the appetite.
This class of drugs is used to manage Type 2 diabetes and to help with weight loss.
They are administered by weekly injection. But big drug makers like Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Pfizer are working to develop a pill form that could be taken daily.
Side effects include nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal troubles.
Wegovy and Ozempic
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes treatments, sells Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy to treat obesity.
Ozempic received US authorization in 2017. The drug has been in short supply there recently due to explosive demand from people hoping to lose weight, often after seeing glowing reports from celebrities or social media influencers.
Wegovy received US approval in 2021. It is sold in Denmark, Norway, Britain and Switzerland, and may receive French certification next year.
In the United States alone, Wegovy and Ozempic are expected to generate sales of US$8.1 billion and US$2.1 billion, respectively, by 2031, according to a GlobalData report in March.
Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly
Last year, the US greenlit Eli Lilly’s drug tirzepatide, which has been marketed as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes sufferers. It has also been prescribed on an “off-label” basis for treating weight loss.
In November, Eli Lilly received US approval to sell Zepbound to treat obesity.
Zepbound is prescribed for obese and overweight patients with underlying conditions like Type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Eli Lilly set its price at $1,060 a month.
