The new generation of weight-loss drugs

Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic… These new medicine drawing such intense consideration have raised the hopes of thousands and thousands around the globe affected by diabetes or weight problems. However what are they, how are they used and who makes them?

Imitating a key hormone

These medicine imitate a hormone generally known as GLP-1 (it stands for glugacon-like peptide-1), which is secreted by the intestines. It stimulates insulin manufacturing and creates a sense of fullness, suppressing the urge for food.

This class of medicine is used to handle Sort 2 diabetes—the most typical kind—and to assist with weight reduction.

They’re administered by weekly injection, however huge drug makers like Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Pfizer are working to develop a capsule type to be taken every day.

Uncomfortable side effects embody nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal troubles.

Wegovy and Ozempic

Danish pharmaceutical large Novo Nordisk, the world chief in diabetes therapies, makes use of the drug semaglutide in its Wegovy remedy for weight problems, and in Ozempic for Sort 2 diabetes.

Wegovy acquired US approval in 2021. It’s bought in Denmark, Norway, Britain and now Switzerland. Novo Nordisk hopes to obtain French certification subsequent 12 months.

Ozempic bought US authorization in 2017. Provide shortages there not too long ago resulted from livid demand by individuals hoping to drop extra pounds, usually after seeing glowing stories from celebrities or influencers on social media.

In the US alone, Wegovy and Ozempic are anticipated to generate gross sales, respectively, of $8.1 billion and $2.1 billion by 2031, in accordance with a GlobalData report in March.

Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly’s drug tirzepatide has been marketed as Mounjaro for Sort 2 diabetes victims since US well being authorities greenlighted it final 12 months. It has additionally been prescribed on an “off-label” foundation, that’s, for functions not particularly accredited—on this case, for weight loss.

Tirzepatide, to be bought as Zepbound, did obtain US approval for remedy of weight problems on November 8.

Zepbound is prescribed each for the overweight and for obese sufferers with underlying circumstances like Sort 2 diabetes, elevated ldl cholesterol or hypertension.

Eli Lilly set its worth at $1,060 a month.

© 2023 AFP