Mounjaro

Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medicine that is used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed along with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar levels. Mounjaro is widely used thanks to its efficacy and safety as a single therapy or with other diabetes medicines. Tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1RA) is a single molecule combining glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). It activates the secretion of GIP and GLP-1 receptors from the intestines on ingestion of glucose or nutrients, which in turn stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells.  It also is active in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. Tirzepatide slows down the emptying of the stomach after eating, leaving people feeling full for longer and suppressing appetite. Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, it was found in studies of Mounjaro that after 52 weeks,  when administered both with or without other diabetes medications, 75% to 90% of patients with an average starting HbA1C of 7.9% to 8.6% reached an HbA1C of less than 7%. Mounjaro is also effective to help with body weight reduction and was approved by the FDA for this putpose in November 2023.  In studies, weight loss in adults ranged from 12 lb (5 kg) to 25 lb (10 kg). The results in studies where candidates received tirzepatide surpass trials of other GLP-1 agonists. Mounjaro can be prescribed for patients classified as overweight (BMI of 27 – 29.9 with at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease) or obese (BMI greater than 30)