Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic. So how does it work? And why does it cost so much?

Mounjaro is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic. So how does it work? And why does it cost so much?

Mounjaro, a recently approved weight-loss drug in Australia, has been found to be more effective than its competitors, Ozempic and Wegovy. But how does it work, and why is it so expensive?

How does it work?

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Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, mimics two hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). When you eat, your body naturally releases these hormones, which play crucial roles in regulating appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide mimics and amplifies the effects of these hormones, making you feel fuller with smaller meals, which can lead to weight loss over time. It also helps your body process sugar more effectively and slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, resulting in eating less, feeling satisfied for longer, and maintaining healthier blood sugar levels.

How does it compare with Wegovy/Ozempic?

Tirzepatide and semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, share some similarities. Both are injectable medications used for weight loss and work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. The key difference is that tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1), while semaglutide only acts on one (GLP-1). This dual action is thought to be why tirzepatide shows slightly better results for weight loss in clinical trials.

Clinical trials have shown that participants lost an average of 25% of their body fat in the first year of treatment with tirzepatide, compared to an average of 15% with semaglutide. This could translate to a difference of 12kg lost with tirzepatide compared to 7kg lost with semaglutide for someone weighing 120kg.

What are the side effects of tirzepatide?

Like any medication, tirzepatide has side effects, which are usually mild and temporary. The most common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These are similar to those seen with semaglutide and may improve over time.

However, there are also some rarer, more serious risks to consider, such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. There’s also a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this has only been seen in lab rats, not humans.

Who can access tirzepatide?

In Australia, tirzepatide is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or above if they have a weight-related health condition such as diabetes. It can only be prescribed by a doctor, after you’ve tried other weight-loss methods.

However, it’s not suitable for everyone. It shouldn’t be used in pregnancy and may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or a history of eating disorders.

Why is it so expensive?

Tirzepatide typically costs around A$345 per month for the starting dose, which can escalate to A$645 per month for the "maintenance" dose if a higher dose is needed for diabetes and/or weight management. This puts the drug out of reach for most people.

The patent for tirzepatide lasts until 2036. Developing new drugs is a costly business, with companies spending billions on research, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. They then set high prices to recoup these costs and make a profit.

Conclusion

Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is a more effective weight-loss medication than Ozempic and Wegovy, but it comes with a hefty price tag. While it may be approved for use in Australia, its high cost makes it inaccessible to many. Patients and healthcare providers should carefully consider the benefits and risks of tirzepatide and weigh its potential effects on their individual health situations.

FAQs

1. How does tirzepatide work?
   Tirzepatide mimics and amplifies the effects of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, making you feel fuller with smaller meals, leading to weight loss.
2. How does it compare with semaglutide?
   Tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while semaglutide only acts on GLP-1. This dual action may result in slightly better weight loss outcomes.
3. What are the potential side effects?
   The most common side effects include mild and temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. There are also rare, more serious risks like pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, as well as a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer in lab rats.
4. Who can access tirzepatide?
   In Australia, tirzepatide is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition. It should only be prescribed by a doctor, after trying other weight-loss methods.
5. Why is it so expensive?
   Tirzepatide is a costly medication, with a starting dose of around A$345 per month, which can escalate to A$645 per month for the maintenance dose. The patent lasts until 2036, making a cheaper generic version unlikely for over a decade.