The much-awaited diabetes and weight-loss drug Munjaro developed by US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lily was launched in India on 20 March. This once a week-based drug helps manage blood sugar levels and control appetite, intensifying the fight against diabetes and obesity in India.

Previously, only a handful of Indians could bear the cost of drug through imports, but with its official launch, silence is now more accessible at relatively low cost. The dose of 2.5 mg is priced at Rs 3,500, while the dose of 5 mg is priced at Rs 4,375. Therefore, the monthly price of the drug for 2.5 mg will be Rs 14,000.

According to Ellie Lily’s statement, Maunjaro targets two specific hormones in the body: GIP and GLP-1.

“Both GIP receptors and GLP-1 receptors are expressed in important areas of the brain that regulate appetite. Mounjaro reduces food intake, reduces body weight, and reduces fat mass by regulating hunger. In addition, Mounjaro has already been performed with lipid use.

While experts welcomed Maunzaro’s launch, they emphasized the importance of determining responsible for stopping misuse.

“Obesity rate in India is increasing at a dangerous speed, promoting an increase in diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and related conditions. The management of obesity has become an important challenge, and the final solution lies in prevention,” Dr. Embrish Mithal said that the president of endocrinology and diabetes and head of diabetes.

He said that while the previous anti-motor drugs have often been ineffective, a new class of drugs- GLP-1 (hormone) receptor agonist- has shown a remarkable promise.

Semaglutide (an anti-diabetic medicine) and tirzepetide (active component sold in the form of mounjaro) have attracted significant attention. These drugs are a great advancement, and more in India “their availability at affordable price is encouraging.”

However, Dr. Mithal warned that there is a possibility of misuse. He warned, “These drugs should only be taken under the supervision of an endocrinologist or doctor. They are not for cosmetic weight loss, and accidental use can lead to serious health complications,” he warned.

Paras Health Gurugram Senior Advisor Endocrinologist Dr. Ashutosh Goyal called the availability of Munjaro in India a “big step” in the management of diabetes and obesity.

“Managing these conditions can be challenging, and a treatment that helps with both blood sugar control and weight management, will create a real difference in patients’ lives. Once the weekly dose will also make it easier for people to live on track with their treatment.

While Mounjaro offers physicians a new option for patients, the drug alone is not a solution.

“The increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes presents an important public health challenge in India. Anti-innovative obesity drugs, especially with the novel mechanism of action, provide promising avenues to address this growing concern. However, it is important that these theraps are integrated in the marrow, which are associated with majaval and ruckus. Labs, explained.

He emphasized the need for appropriate patient evaluation and monitoring to ensure safe and effective use of these drugs.

“By combining pharmaceuticals with personal care, we can help improve the patient’s results and reduce the long -term health and economic effects of obesity and related metabolic disorders,” Dr. Mahajan said.

Amid caution against misuse by doctors, Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora, however, criticized the launch of Maunjaro, exposing the aspect of how “America floods India with sugar drink” and is now selling ‘weight-loss’ drugs.

“First, the USA flooded India with sugar drinks and obesity-motivation lifestyles. Now, they are pushing the drugs of” weight loss “to cure damage. India should increase taxes on sugar products, ban children target advertisements and a proven health solution that works for millions of people.”

Diabetic drug is prescribed for those who have a BMI (body mass index) of 27 and more (in the category of overweight and obesity). They also need to have diabetes as the drug manages blood sugar levels.

While the company has marketed Mounjaro as both a diabetes and obesity drug, at globally, Ellie Lily sells the drug as an anti-dibitic medicine and is a weight loss drug under the brand name ZEPBound.